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Toronto Green Standard |
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- Q. What is Tier 1?
A. Tier 1 is Toronto's required green standard for new development.
Tier 1 includes the minimum sustainable performance measures to be secured during Planning Act application approval processes with the use of plans and agreements. The measures mainly include exterior sustainable design, landscaping, site level infrastructure features (such as automobile, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure). Improved energy efficiency will also be required; that is 25% better than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB) for Mid-high rise developments and Energuide 80 for low-rise developments will be secured through agreements as explained in the staff report. Applicants are encouraged to enroll in the Better Buildings Partnership - New Construction Program (BBP-NC) administered the City's Energy Efficiency Office.
- Q. What is Tier 2?
A. Tier 2 includes enhanced sustainable performance measures that are voluntary. Taken together with Tier 1, the green standard provides a whole site and building performance package. Site Plan applications, received on or after May 1, 2009, that meet Tier 1 and 2, are eligible for a Development Charge Refund of 20% (see question 4 for more information).
Achieving the Tier 2 energy efficiency target above MNECB or Energuide 85 for low-rise development is very important. Energy modelling reports must be submitted as proof of compliance for mid to high rise buildings.
Applicants are encouraged to participate in the City's Better Buildings Partnership - New Construction Program (BBP-NC) to help achieve this goal.
- Q. When do Tier 1 and 2 come into effect?
A. Planning applications submitted to the City on or after January 31, 2010 must apply the new Toronto Green Standard.
- Q. Am I eligible for the Development Charge Refund?
A. Site Plan applications received on or after May 1, 2009 are eligible for the DC Refund. The DC Refund applies to new residential or at-grade retail developments that achieve the Tier 1 and 2 package to the level of satisfaction of City staff. Demonstrated compliance is necessary. That means that plans, reports and studies regularly required by the City and/or signed declarations must be included in your planning submission to provide the City with adequate proof of compliance with the Green Standard. Tier 2 will be validated by pre-qualified consultants selected by the City as a service available to applicants if they wish to pursue the Development Charge Refund. The Development Charge By-law staff report provides the background on new development charges and the refund for applications that meet Tier 2 of the Green Standard.
For more information contact: sustainablecity@toronto.ca.
4.b. Q. What if I am undertaking a new industrial, commercial or
institutional building?
A. Unfortunately ICI buildings, greater than one storey, are not eligible for the DC Refund. However other available City incentives include the Eco-Roofs incentive program and the BBPNC incentive listed above.
4.c. Q. I am interested in Meeting Tier 2 of the Toronto Green Standard.
How do I apply for the DC Refund?
A. Application forms for the DC Refund will be available December 1, 2009
from this website. Guidance for Tier 2 applications is provided.
Please contact sustainablecity@toronto.ca.
- Q. What do I have to do if I am pursuing LEED certification?
A. The City and the Canada Green Building Council are working on LEED Toronto Supplement that will spell out what LEED for New Construction applicants need to do in Toronto to address the Green Standard and to reduce duplication. The Supplement will be available in December 2009. What it will mean is that while pursuing LEED, Tier 1 must be addressed. Locally more stringent policies will be followed in some cases and in other cases there are additional items to complete. The energy efficiency prerequisite and credits are similar.
- Q. How will the Toronto Green Standard be Validated?
A. As part of your regular planning application you must ensure all green standard measures are noted and addressed regardless of whether you are pursuing LEED certification. Site Plan drawings are the main place where documentation will occur. You should make reference to features, whether green roofs or pedestrian infrastructure, on plans and in regular reports/studies submitted to the City. These are the City's record for providing approvals. Some green measures will require a declaration sign off form from a professional designation. Energy efficiency requirements will be validated through the BBP-NC program or you must complete and submit your own energy model for the building, meeting City standards. Site Plan Technicians will be inspecting the site post-construction against the approved plans. Tier 2 will be validated by pre-qualified consultants selected by the City as a service available to applicants if they wish to pursue the Development Charge Refund.
- Q. Do I need to submit LEED documentation to the City if I am not
pursuing LEED certification?
A. No, but you need to provide documentation through your planning application (plans, studies and reports) that you are meeting the Tier 1 requirements. You also should enroll in the City's BBP-NC program for energy efficiency improvements.
- Q. I need guidance to work through my planning application and the
new Green Standard, who do I call?
A. You should deal with the community planner handling you application. Additional support on the Green Standard will be provided through the planner. For questions and issues specifically related to the Toronto Green Standard contact sustainablecity@toronto.ca.
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