Toronto amps up climate leadership with new construction standards

Humber River Hospital, LEED Gold.

TORONTO – The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) welcomes yesterday’s adoption of the Toronto Green Standard for new buildings by the City’s Planning and Growth Management Committee. City Council now has the chance to lock-in long-term carbon reductions by approving one of North America’s most advanced municipal building design standards.

“Committee support for the Toronto Green Standard 3.0 with its Zero Emissions Building Framework paves the way for climate-friendly new development in Canada’s largest city,” Bryan Purcell, TAF Director of Policy and Programs said. “Making new buildings more resilient, more affordable to operate and nearly emissions-free is a key element of the TransformTO climate plan.”

The Toronto Green Standard, one of Toronto’s most successful climate policies, started as a voluntary commitment in 2006, became mandatory in 2010 and was updated in 2014. TAF partnered with the City on the policy development at every stage, including the third version that will reach City Council in November.

“We simply won’t achieve Toronto’s 2050 climate target if we continue building as we currently do,” Purcell added. “The new Toronto Green Standard includes a clear path to have all new construction near zero emissions by 2030, only months after City Council’s unanimous approval of TransformTO. We’re hopeful that other cities will follow suit.”

SOURCE The Atmospheric Fund