Green Development Standard
The Toronto Green Development Standard provides an integrated set of targets, principles, and practices to guide the development of City-owned facilities and to encourage sustainable development in the private sector.
This Standard is rooted in the key environmental drivers for the City. These are:
- Better air quality
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and urban heat island effects
- Greater energy efficiency
- Improved water quality and water efficiency
- Less solid waste
- Protection of the urban forest and wildlife habitat
- Reduced light pollution
The Toronto Green Development Standard is a "made-in-Toronto" approach that integrates existing City guidelines and targets, popular private rating systems and the experiences of cities from around the world.
More information is available about the Green Development Standard from City Planning.
Green Roof Strategy
Green roofs are an extension of the existing roof that allows plants, trees and shrubs to grow in a light-weight growing medium. Green roofs are built on top of a human-made structures.
Environmental benefits of green roofs in an urban setting include:
- Reduction in stormwater runoff that affects quality of local water resources which supply drinking water, are used for swimming, and serve as fish and wildlife habitat
- Reduction in energy consumption
- Reduction in the urban heat island effect and associated cooling costs
- Beautification of the City
- Creation of more natural green spaces
- Opportunities for local food production
Green roof demonstration projects can be seen at City Hall and Eastview Community Centre. There are also many other green roofs around Toronto. The Green Roof Strategy is being integrated into the Green Development Standard.
In June 2007, the City of Toronto won the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' FCM-CH2MHill Sustainable Community Award for its Green Roof Strategy. This award recognizes municipal leadership in sustainable community development and gives national recognition to projects that demonstrate environmental excellence and innovation in service delivery.
For more information about green roofs is available by visiting the Green Roofs website or from City Planning.
Greening Surface Parking Lots
The Design Guidelines for Greening Surface Parking Lots were created to deal with common urban design and environmental challenges found within and around surface parking lots.
"Greening" the surface parking lot involves:
- planting trees;
- providing good quality soil and generous landscaped areas;
- enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure;
- managing stormwater on-site;
- reducing the urban heat island effect; and
- using sustainable materials and technologies.
Visit Design Guidelines for Greening Surface Parking Lots for more information.
Green Economic Sector Development Strategy
Green economic development refers to activity that stimulates the economy, creates jobs and cleans up the environment - all at the same time.
The City of Toronto has completed a Green Economic Sector Development Strategy with a vision to become a globally recognized green industry hub.
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Most migratory bird species are unable to adapt to living in cities. During their biannual flyovers they become confused by the combination of light pollution and the effects of glass in the urban environment. This often results in significant numbers of birds colliding with buildings.
The City's Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Phase 1 outlines the City's response to the challenge of climate change and poor air quality.
The annual Green Toronto Awards honour and celebrate leading companies, organizations and individuals contributing to the greening of Toronto.
The Bicycle Friendly Business Awards are given out every year to businesses and organizations across Toronto who are making an effort to encourage their clients and employees to cycle.