Performance measures to optimize energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions and enhance building resilience to extreme weather.
(Refer to Specifications & Resources 1 to 7)
Building Type: GHGI(kg CO2e/m2/yr) |
Tier 1 Mandatory | Tier 2 Voluntary
High performance |
Tier 3 Voluntary
Near Zero Emissions |
Net Zero Emissions
Mandatory for City-Owned Facilities |
---|---|---|---|---|
All Residential | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
Commercial Office | 15 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
Commercial Retail | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
Mixed use (calculated using a weighted average of the above) |
City of Toronto Zero Emissions Buildings Framework, 2017
For all other building types: consult the Environment & Energy Division for direction on establishing targets for mixed use and non-archetype buildings.
Note: A net zero emissions building is one that is highly energy-efficient and produces on-site, or procures, carbon-free and or renewable energy in an amount sufficient to offset the annual carbon emissions associated with its operations or simply eliminates carbon emissions altogether. Net zero emissions is determined following the CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Standard methodology.
(Refer to Specifications & Resources 1 to 6)
Projects must target the minimum Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI) and Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) requirements outlined in table below or better. Refer also to TGS requirement GHG 1.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Limits.
Building Type (kWh/m2) | Tier 1 (mandatory) | Tier 2 | Tier 3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energy Performance Measure kWh/m2/yr | TEUI | TEDI | TEUI | TEDI | TEUI | TEDI |
Multi-unit Residential (> 6 storeys) | 135 | 50 | 100 | 30 | 75 | 15 |
Multi-unit Residential (< 6 storeys) | 130 | 40 | 100 | 25 | 70 | 15 |
Commercial Office | 130 | 30 | 100 | 22 | 65 | 15 |
Commercial Retail | 120 | 40 | 90 | 25 | 70 | 15 |
Mixed use (calculated using a weighted average of the above) |
City of Toronto Zero Emissions Buildings Framework, 2017.
For all other building types: Discuss with the Environment & Energy Division to determine requirements that are consistent with the intent of the performance measures.
Note: Energy Modelling guidance for the absolute targets or reference building pathways is provided in the City of Toronto’s Energy Report Terms of Reference and Guideline. This includes references to the full set of requirements for each building type with submittals which must be included for a complete Energy Modelling Report (EMR) submission. Reports are reviewed for compliance by the Environment and Energy Division (EED).
Conduct a Material Emissions Assessment for the structure and envelope in accordance with the CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Standard v2 methodology for the Upfront Carbon lifecycle stage (A1-5). Identify low-carbon sustainable material alternatives to the proposed structure or envelope for use in the building project. 1,2
Conduct a whole building life cycle assessment (LCA) of the building’s structure and envelope in accordance with the CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Standard v2 methodology that demonstrates a minimum of 20% embodied carbon reduction, compared with a baseline building. 1,2,3
Note: The City of Toronto is involved in two studies to benchmark embodied carbon in new construction. The results of the studies will be used to update the requirements above in 2023, to ensure these Performance Measures can best be implemented in the Toronto context.
(Refer to Specifications & Resources 1,2)
Enroll the project in ENERGYSTAR® Portfolio Manager to track energy and water consumption of the new development during operations in accordance with O. Reg. 506/18 for private buildings.1
Complete the commissioning process (CxP) activities for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy systems and assemblies in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0–2013 and ASHRAE Guideline 1.1–2007 for HVAC&R systems, as they relate to energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and durability, to develop the owner’s project requirements and basis of design. 2
Conduct a Whole-building Air Leakage Test to improve the quality and air tightness of the building envelope. The project must target equal to or less than 2 L/s/m2 (at 75 Pa) through whole-building air infiltration testing, as conducted in accordance with the City of Toronto Air Tightness Testing Protocol & Process Guideline.3