Torontodigitalspring2016

TORONTO Canada Green Building Council

FOCUS

ISSUE 11, SPRING 2016, Greater Toronto Chapter, CaGBC Regional Publication /

THE CASE FOR ENERGY BENCHMARKING Partnerships Key to Successful Implementation Building Momentum on CivicAction’s Race to Reduce Lessons Learned from New York City’s Benchmarking Program The Road Towards Building Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking Across Canada

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 1

Allstream Centre, Toronto, Ontario

BUILDING LASTING CHANGE 2016

Join us at Canada’s premier green building event » Industry education

» Green building tours

» B2B meetings

» Networking events

» Interactive Expo Floor

Allstream Centre, Toronto, ON, June 6-8 Register now at: www.cagbc.org/blc2016 2

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

WELCOME TO TORONTO FOCUS

We are pleased to share with you this eleventh Toronto FOCUS supplement produced in partnership with SABMag.

Message from the Greater Toronto Chapter of the CaGBC

It was back in 2013 when we first engaged our members in a

This is an exciting time for the Chapter.

discussion regarding potential advocacy initiatives for the Chapter.

In addition to our advocacy initiatives, the Chapter continually

Of the three top initiatives, mandatory building benchmarking

strives to push the envelope in our community by highlighting the

was voted the most important for us to pursue. At that time, the

best of green building practices through our Thank You Campaign;

City of Toronto was moving towards the introduction of a by-law

our Innovation Awards program (for which we are now accepting

requiring mandatory building benchmarking and we supported

nominations until August 12); and our annual Building Blitz which

their forward thinking.

takes place at Spring Open.

Subsequently, the Province of Ontario

began a series of stakeholder meetings to discuss the possibility of making mandatory energy and water reporting and benchmarking a provincial requirement under the Green Energy Act.

We are all looking forward to the CaGBC’s National Building Lasting Change Conference and Expo which will be taking place at the Allstream Centre in Toronto, June 6-8. We hope you also will join

As this edition goes to print, the Province is in the final stages

us for some of the many Chapter-run activities we have planned

of ensuring they have incorporated feedback from various

for you as part of the Conference. Join us for a Green Building

stakeholder groups, such as the CaGBC, before sending the

Tour, the Legacy Event, the After Party, the Closing Reception

required Green Energy Act amendments to the legislature for

BBQ, and our inaugural Drive for Change Golf Tournament.

the final vote before enactment. On the eve of this exciting development, we are pleased to bring our readers an allencompassing discussion on benchmarking. We hope this edition will paint a clearer picture of what this means to you and how our industry will be impacted.

Read on to learn about such things as the potential for a national framework, to the nuts and bolts of how benchmarking really works. Learn how two trail-blazing US cities offer complementary approaches: the City of New York discusses how they implemented several key tools to ensure quality and accuracy in their data reporting; and the City of Chicago stresses the importance of establishing strong partnerships to achieve their early successes.

Until then, please check out our website at www.cagbctoronto. org to find out about the many upcoming educational workshops and networking events.

A special thank you to our volunteers, members, partners, and friends in developing and providing some of this supplement’s content, and of course our sponsors and advertisers who have helped make this publication happen. These publications and your support of the Chapter greatly contribute to the strengthening, promotion and success of our green building community. We hope you enjoy this supplement and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Learn about the ambitious electricity reduction targets for Ontario and how building benchmarking will be a major player in achieving this goal.

Hazel Farley

Michael Parker

Regional Director, Greater Toronto Chapter Canada Green Building Council

President & CSO Ecolight LED Chair, Greater Toronto Chapter Canada Green Building Council

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 3

DRIVE FOR CHANGE GOLF TOURNAMENT

June 9, 2016 | Royal Woodbine Golf Course Registration & Breakfast 7:00am Tee Off 7:45am Registration Now Open! http://bit.ly/drive4change2016

Hosted by

Platinum Sponsor

Closest to the Pin Sponsor

LEED Hole Sponsors: Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions | B+H Architects | Sandpiper Geo-Exchange | The Mitchell Partnership

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See a digital version of Greater Toronto Chapter FOCUS at www.sabmagazine.com/digital

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In this Issue SPRING 2016

28

7 Professional

Development & Events

10 The Road Towards Building

Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking Across Canada

12 Chicago Energy Benchmarking

Working Group: Partnerships Key to Successful Implementation

15 The Case for

Energy Benchmarking

16 Creating Compelling Proposals

17 Energy Benchmarking Leads to Increased Program Participation

26 Building Momentum on CivicAction’s Race to Reduce

18 Lessons Learned from New York City’s Benchmarking Program

22 Emerging

28 700 Bay: Energy Modelling in Design Phase

30 The Building Sector Has

Green Builders

a Huge Part to Play in Ontario’s Fight Against Climate Change

25 The Case for Geothermal

Heating and Cooling: Combating Climate Change

Without Sacrificing Sustainability

Environmental savings for this issue: Toronto FOCUS is printed on Rolland Enviro 100 Satin, a 100% post-consumer fiber that is certified FSC and EcoLogo. It is processed chlorine-free,

12 trees

45,044 L water

682 kg waste

1,774 kg of CO2

FSC-recycled and is manufactured using biogas energy.

Cover photo: Vanishing Point. Photo: Paul Bica.

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Editor: Courtney Good, Greater Toronto Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC-GTC) A joint publishing project of the CaGBC-GTC and SABMag. Address all inquiries to Don Griffith: dgriffith@sabmagazine.com Published by Janam Publications Inc. | www.sabmagazine.com | www.janam.net

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SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

Upcoming Events + Workshops THE CANADA GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL – GREATER TORONTO CHAPTER (CaGBC-GTC) seeks to connect all of Ontario’s green building leaders and supporters by providing all of the latest information you need to accelerate your LEED credentials and to stay at the forefront of the green building industry. Here’s a highlight of Chapter initiatives and upcoming events and workshops.

BUILDING LASTING CHANGE CONFERENCE

Join us for this year’s Building Lasting Change (BLC) Conference. The BLC Program promises to bring you the Canadian context of green building and sustainability that you can’t get anywhere else. With five comprehensive streams, there is something for everyone. Meet, mingle and learn at BLC’s one-day Expo which will offer the most up-to-date information on green building products and services.

to leave a lasting legacy for a community project in the Building Lasting Change host city. This year, Eva’s Phoenix: a transitional housing residence for 50 homeless youth, has been selected as the Legacy Project. Delegates will team up with the CaGBC to ‘bring the outdoors in’ at the new Eva’s Phoenix location. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please go to our registration page now. Please note that only Conference delegates have the opportunity to participate. If you are interested in supporting this event, please email dmchugh@gta.cagbc.org.

GREEN BUILDING TOURS

CHAPTER AFTER PARTY

June 6, 2016 – Toronto

June 6, 2016 – Drake 150, Toronto

Green building tours include professional facilitators and engaged participants providing the delegates with a first hand and often behind the scenes look at unique green buildings.

Tours feature many of the incredible green building sites and projects across the Toronto area, including: 1. Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre: Living Building Challenge and LEED NC Platinum Candidate 2. What’s Next, Waterfront Toronto?

3. Revitalizing Regent Park 4. Canary District: Life after Pan Am 5. Sustainable Buildings’ Technologies

Come wind-down at the after party on Monday evening after the Welcome Reception. Get out and build your network. Join us this evening for a casual get together.

June 6-8, 2016 – Allstream Centre, Toronto

LEGACY EVENT

June 6, 2016 – Eva’s Phoenix, Toronto CaGBC’s annual Legacy Event provides conference delegates with the opportunity to volunteer their time and skills

CLOSING RECEPTION BBQ

June 8, 2016 – Allstream Centre, Toronto Close out the conference at the BBQ on Wednesday evening following the Building Lasting Change Conference send-off. This is a great opportunity to cement relationships established over the conference!

DRIVE FOR CHANGE GOLF TOURNAMENT

June 9, 2016 – Royal Woodbine Golf Course, Etobicoke Join us for our first annual Drive for Change Golf Tournament at the Royal Woodbine Golf Course on June 9, 2016. This is an excellent opportunity

to network with fellow delegates, clients, friends or business associates at the close out of the 2016 CaGBC Building Lasting Change Conference.

Participants can choose to bus from the Royal York Hotel, or make their own way to the course and be met with a light breakfast, followed by a morning of golf, and finally winding down with a hearty lunch and presentation of prizes. Learn along the way!

LEED your way through 18 holes, each named after a unique LEED credit and associated information.

GREEN ASSOCIATE EXAM KICKSTARTER

June 21, 2016 – Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto New one day format in 2016. Earn the internationally recognized LEED® v4 Green Associate credential to equip you with important foundational information on green building principles and practices. Delivered by highly-qualified instructors with real-life experience, this course will provide you with valuable knowledge and give you access to quality study tools. Network with, and learn from, other individuals with similar goals, as you learn what you need to know to pass the Green Associate Exam.

This course is also being offered on the following dates: August 18, 2016 October 19, 2016 December 7, 2016

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Upcoming Events + Workshops LEED BREAKFAST SERIES 2016 SESSION II: LEED V4

THE CAGBC GREATER TORONTO CHAPTER GALA AND AWARDS

September 22, 2016 - Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto

October 13, 2016 – Arcadian Court, Toronto

Transitioning to LEED v4 can be a big leap for all involved on a project.

Attendees will gain a foundational grasp of the major changes in LEED v4, the impact on point allocation, and will explore the impact of LEED v4 on Canadians. This session will also focus on the challenges around attaining LEED v4 Commercial Interiors certification.

Join us on September 22nd for this comprehensive discussion!

Join us at our seventh annual CaGBC - Greater Toronto Chapter Gala. The evening will include an elegant reception, sit-down dinner and a special keynote presentation. The Chapter will be continuing with the awards program, which recognizes projects and individuals that demonstrate advancement in the green building industry in Southern Ontario.

Submissions for nominations for the awards program are open from now until August 12. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support the Chapter and attend one of the largest green building networking events in the Greater Toronto Area!

LOOKING FOR THE BEST WAY TO GAIN CE HOURS AND GREEN BUILDING KNOW-HOW?

Cagbc_Membership_Ad_160419.pdf

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SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

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CHOOSE CaGBC-GTC All of our workshops are stringently peer-reviewed by GBCI for high relevance, quality and rigor, and have been deemed as guaranteed for CE hours by GBCI. We also offer a number of different webinars to share local green building knowledge and best practices.

2016-04-19

2:25 PM

LEED BREAKFAST SERIES 2016 SESSION III: INNOVATION IN LEED BUILDINGS

November 23, 2016 - Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto LEED is a driving force for greener management practices and technologies in buildings. As project teams work to achieve top energy, water or material performance – on Gold and Platinum projects – they investigate a lot of options. What are the most innovative technologies being used in Canadian LEED projects?

What are the impacts they are driving?

How do owners and project teams differentiate between “leading edge” and “bleeding edge” technologies?

How do innovative management practices compare to new technologies in terms of impact? Join us as for a lively discussion as we answer these important questions with our panel.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE INITIATIVES AND TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS + EVENTS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CAGBCTORONTO.ORG!

June 6-8

Building Lasting Change Conference

June 6

Green Building Tours

June 6

Legacy Event

June 6

Chapter After Party

June 8

Closing Reception BBQ

June 9

Drive for Change Golf Tournament

June 21

Green Associate Exam Kickstarter

CaGBC National Event

September 22

LEED Breakfast Series 2016 Session II: LEED v4

Networking Event

October 13

The CaGBC Greater Toronto Chapter Gala and Awards

November 23

LEED Breakfast Series 2016 Session III: Innovation in LEED Buildings

UPCOMING WORKSHOP

+ EVENTS Education Event

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 9

The Road Towards Building Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking Across Canada

In spring of 2015, Ontario’s Ministry of Energy (MOE) and the City of Toronto concluded a Best Practices Summit followed by a series of policy workshops around energy and water reporting and benchmarking (EWRB). Various stakeholders and industry experts collected their insights aimed at a shaping a Torontospecific EWRB model. In June of 2015, The Greater Toronto Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council (GTC-CaGBC) submitted a letter of support to Toronto’s Parks and Environment Committee, who was poised to have City Council enact a by-law and corresponding implementation plan. Through subsequent discussions led by an array of local actors, Ontario stepped forward to develop a Provincial proposal for EWRB.

By fall of 2015, the Province put forward amendments (Bill 135

Since many Canadian municipalities are considering energy

Energy Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016) to the Green Energy

benchmarking like Toronto, an overarching framework that

Act, 2009 that would enable the MOE’s proposed large building

advocates for effective program design principles underpinning

energy and water reporting and benchmarking initiative. These

regulations would be highly valuable. A cohesive approach would

amendments would require large building owners to publicly report

reduce EWRB implementation challenges for policy makers and

energy and water usage, and building information. Additionally,

property owners that own and operate buildings across multiple

utility companies would be required to release data related to

jurisdictions. Additionally, a national framework would support

energy and water use to building owners. In early 2016, further

the large range of capacities Canadian cities have to develop and

details to these requirements were provided in a final draft form of

deliver complex environmental policies.

Bill 135. Ontario’s largest buildings potentially would be required to report for the first time in winter 2017, with smaller properties to be included incrementally in the following years.

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SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

Working in parallel with the Toronto and Ontario movement, the

Highlights from the white paper include:

Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) convened a Working

• Roles and responsibilities for key actors in supporting EWRB

Group of experts in September 2015 to discuss the principles for

regulations, including provincial bodies, local governments,

a National Framework for Energy Benchmarking, Reporting and

federal bodies, utilities, industry associations and non-govern-

Disclosure founded on the idea that a standardized approach to

mental organizations, and academic and research institutions.

EWRB will support governments and industry members interested

• Identification of key synergies between local, provincial,

in reducing energy use and GHG emissions. The working group

and federal levels to distribute responsibilities and burdens,

established a shared understanding on the importance of a national

make use of existing capacities, and ensure coordination and

EWRB approach and from that understanding, agreed on key

consistency across jurisdictions for the development of EWRB

principles including consistency, effectiveness, transparency, and

programs and regulations.

capacity building, to facilitate the development of EWRB policies.

• Partnering opportunities with non-governmental stakeholders

Finally, the group identified key government recommendations

to leverage existing EWRB expertise and experience to increase

drawn from their discussions.

awareness, build capacity, and facilitate compliance with new

The outcomes of the Working Group discussions were released in a summary report titled National Energy Benchmarking Framework: Report Preliminary Working Group Findings. This framework laid the

regulations. The white paper will be shared with provinces and local governments interested in pursuing EWRB regulations to guide consistency across Canada.

groundwork to engage key stakeholders for further consultation and

As an organization, CaGBC is pleased at the EWRB progress

the development of a white paper, detailing specific factors for

that has taken place over the last year, extending thanks to

effective EWRB implementation.

its key partners, the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC),

Up to 40 municipal and industry stakeholders across Canada and up to 10 jurisdictions from the United States were brought together from December 2015 to February 2016. Additionally, a joint session was hosted by CaGBC, Toronto Atmospheric Fund, and Integral Group at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Sustainable Communities Conference held in Ottawa on February 10, 2016; attended by over 70 Canadian stakeholders representing 30 municipalities and over 20 industries. The draft white paper was prepared in March 2016, and identified recommendations for feedback for five major areas including: Program Administration, Program Delivery, Data Quality Control, Data Transparency, and Building Industry Capacity.

Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF), Integral Group and Working Group members, while recognizing the contributions

by REALpac and many others to make this happen. The participation of local, provincial, and national entities has offered collective strength in this growing development. Stay tuned as this key advocacy initiative evolves into its official form in Ontario, ideally laying the groundwork for other provinces and/or jurisdictions to follow.

This piece was written in collaboration by Holly Jordan, Chair of the Greater Toronto Chapter’s Advocacy Committee and Senior Associate, B+H Architects; and Sundeep Virdi, Manager,

The final outcome is a white paper titled Energy Benchmarking,

Advocacy & Policy, Canada Green Building Council.

Reporting & Disclosure in Canada: a Guide to a Common Framework;

Visit http://www.cagbctoronto.org advocacy for links to

released in early April, 2016; which sets parameters for a consistent

the following articles: National Energy Benchmarking

approach to energy benchmarking on a national scale. The White

Framework: Report Preliminary Working Group Findings,

Paper was subsequently sent along with a formal response submis-

Energy Benchmarking, Reporting & Disclosure in Canada:

sion from CaGBC National and the Greater Toronto and Ottawa

a Guide to a Common Framework.

Chapters to the Ontario MOE on the proposed Large Building Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking regulation.

Left: Toronto City Hall. Photo credit: The City of Toronto.

Right: Canadian Digital Heaven. Photo credit: Eduardo Zárate.

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 11

Volunteers providing pro bono benchmarking assistance to the German American Cultural Center.

Chicago Energy Benchmarking Working Group: Partnerships Key to Successful Implementation The City of Chicago’s energy benchmarking and disclosure ordinance was passed in late 2013, and managed to hit over 90% compliance rates in the first year of its reporting cycle only 8 months later. In 2015, over 1,840 properties complied with the ordinance, representing an 84% reporting rate by number of properties, and 92% reporting rate by square footage. This year marks the third and final phase-in, with multi-family buildings over 50,000 ft2 reporting for the first time by June 1, 2016.

Successfully passing an ordinance is just the first milestone. A solid implementation plan, education opportunities, support network and an informed building and service provider community is needed to drive high compliance rates and accurate data.

In early 2013, the USGBC-Illinois Chapter recognized our unique position to engage our diverse membership base in the policy refinement, implementation plan, and ongoing support for buildings and professionals. Our membership included engineers, architects, energy service providers and sustainability consultants – all heavily interested in the success of the ordinance and eager to lend their time and expertise to buildings engaging for the first time in energy best practices. We also recognized that many of our members were also active in local AIA and ASHRAE Chapters, which, in turn connected us to staff from other energy-related nonprofits. This broad network allowed USGBC-Illinois an opportunity to play a convening role to bring members of multiple associations and nonprofits together to create a successful implementation model that can be replicable in many other cities.

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Working group volunteers participating in a “benchmarking data jam” with the Archdiocese of Chicago.

This informal coalition took shape in Chicago before the City

to assist with benchmarking and verification of their senior housing

Council passed the ordinance into law, as the Mayor’s office

stock. We also managed to recruit more than 25 “benchmarking

was garnering support for its passage. The coalition was

detectives” roving the neighborhoods of Chicago on bike and foot to

comprised of USGBC-Illinois, ASHRAE Illinois Chapter, AIA

confirm building addresses, primary use type and find correct building

Chicago, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Elevate Energy,

contact information.

C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, City Energy Project and more. We began to refer to ourselves as the Chicago

Successfully leveraging energy benchmarking and transparency

Energy Benchmarking Working Group (or energy super

practice to drive energy efficiency action will continue to require

friends), and coordinated ourselves to provide extensive

meaningful participation of relevant stakeholders in the building

outreach and support, including staffing a full-time help

industry along with community education and engagement. USGBC

center, offering free training, and pro bono assistance to

Chapters’ organizational infrastructure and extensive experience in

some properties based on each partner’s expertise, capacity

providing programs, presenting research and engaging our members

and resources to contribute to the programs.

uniquely positioned the organization to tap the expertise and passion of its network to engage building owners, property managers and

Over the past three years, USGBC-Illinois has taken the

operations staff to drive energy action in existing buildings.

lead coordinating volunteer-led efforts to successfully implement the ordinance. We worked closely with AIA

Based on Chicago’s 2015 benchmarking summary report, Chicago

Chicago and ASHRAE Illinois to recruit over 50 volunteers

properties reported a median ENERGY STAR score of 58, which is

from our combined memberships to develop and teach

16% higher than the national median, although performance varied by

over 25 free, public Chicago Energy Benchmarking training

building sector. Although scores were higher than the median, a huge

sessions and provide over 60 buildings representing 8.9

opportunity still exists to improve energy efficiency. If all properties

million ft2 with pro bono benchmarking and data verification

reached median or above-median levels of energy use per square

assistance. Part of this pro bono assistance included a pilot

foot, potential savings are estimated at 13-24% energy reduction,

of USGBC’s new ADVANCE tools to host a “benchmarking

cost savings of $100-184 million/year, and GHG reductions equally

data jam” with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA),

removing over 300,000 cars from the road per year. The investment

pairing 20 benchmarking volunteers with 20 CHA staff

to achieve these savings would generate as many as 2,000 local jobs.

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 13

Representatives from the following Chicago partner organizations and supporters: Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, 360 Energy Group, Elevate Energy, City Energy Project, USGBC-Illinois, ComEd, AIA Chicago, ASHRAE Illinois, Willoughby Engineering, HKS, AECOM, Environmental Systems Design, Natural Resources Defense Council and the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office. Bottom image: Photo credit for The Bean Before Dawn: Mike Warot.

The Chicago Energy Benchmarking Working Group is using these

The partner group is actively recruiting volunteers again in

benchmarking results and uncovering opportunities to drive action

2016 to assist low-performing and underserved buildings such

beyond the ordinance requirements. For example, in early 2016, all

as nonprofits, affordable housing, faith-based organization and

reporting buildings received an Energy Profile, comparing their

schools to identify opportunities for efficiency and savings along

energy performance to similar buildings in Chicago and providing

with a roadmap for achievement and success.

suggestions for improving energy efficiency, introducing utilityprovided incentive and rebate programs available, and providing

Looking back, we are so thrilled that we engaged in this policy from

resources to take immediate next steps.

the start and continue to be excited about the opportunities ahead for existing buildings in Chicago and engagement opportunities for our members.

Author: Katie Kaluzny. Associate Director, U.S. Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter Chicago Energy Benchmarking Working Group

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SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

The Case for

ENERGY BENCHMARKING In the wake of COP 21 and the adoption of the Paris Agreement, plus changes to Canada’s federal government and our national agenda moving toward a pan-Canadian framework for clean growth and climate change, we will see continued emphasis on energy efficiency, especially in the buildings sector.

According to Natural Resources Canada, commercial buildings

Now, these types of programs are being examined in Canada and

account for 10% of secondary energy consumption and 9%

the Province of Ontario will likely be the first to roll-out this type of

of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Ontario

initiative under the Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking

specifically, buildings accounted for 19% of the total GHG

(EWRB) regulatory requirement for large buildings.

emissions in 2013. We have a large role to play in mitigating

As a low-cost market based policy tool, the EWRB and similar initiatives

climate change and we can start with energy use reductions

will help increase awareness of energy conservation and efficiency

and efficiency measures.

efforts within the industry. In addition, the proliferation of publicly

Of course, owners of large commercial properties have

available building performance information will allow further research

been managing energy consumption within their buildings

and analysis, effectively allowing the market to drive efficiency projects

for many decades, in order to reduce costs and make their

and investments. In their own operations, building owners will better

buildings competitive in a rental marketplace where energy

be able to:

costs are typically passed-through to the tenant. Today, those

• track energy & water use and building performance over time,

business drivers remain the same for most landlords: avoid

• pinpoint where energy & water is being wasted within their

obsolescence while keeping energy costs down for tenants.

facilities and find energy synergies and look at whole building

What is new is the building of corporate brands around

approaches to reduce excess energy & water use,

efficiency and sustainability and the engagement of tenants

as well as investors in activities and value propositions.

more informed asset management decisions,

In

• use trends in building energy & water performance to make

addition, the smaller property owners are becoming more

engaged and there is a greater awareness of the impact of

budgeting programs,

• use trends and comparisons to inform and guide capital

building energy performance on tenants by tenants.

The introduction of voluntary energy and water measurement

operations professionals,

and benchmarking initiatives first helped landlords and

property managers understand the value in measuring,

which incorporate the proven energy& water performance of a

monitoring, and tracking energy use, thus understanding

building or portfolio, and

• develop more focused training programs for building • develop employee incentives and compensation programs

where they were at in terms of performance, relative and

absolute. Once consumption is being tracked, areas for

water use reduction targets and initiatives.

• prioritize future initiatives to be taken with respect to energy &

improvement can be identified and efficiency strategies can be

Well-conceived government policies can support an already leading

introduced. To promote the gathering and analysis of energy

industry to do more to reduce energy consumption and reduce carbon

and water consumption data, many jurisdictions in the US have

production in this country. It’s a great time to think about how over

introduced benchmarking and reporting programs at both the

450,000 commercial buildings across Canada can be part of the

city and state levels, which mandate the tracking, reporting

climate change solution.

and public disclosure of such data.

Julia St. Michael, Director, Research & Sustainability, REALpac

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 15

Creating compelling proposals without sacrificing sustainability.

The expectation level of responding to proposals is progressively increasing. Clients who are buying architecture,

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3

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engineering, and construction (AEC) services are more informed with not only technical knowledge to validate content, but they also recognize the role sustainable design

with its exposed recycled core and white printable surface.

plays. The procurement process now demands greater creativity with minimal environmental impact. As a result,

“No industry — including ours, can ignore the impact of environmental

buyers are aligning the same values within their building

responsibility. Valuing what our clients want, we are certified by Rainforest

process, from the very beginning – with the Request for

Alliance, with choice options for keeping you green”, says Vice President,

Proposal (RFP).

Rino Dambrosio. Astley Gilbert supports the Greater Toronto Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council because we want to understand the best

The cost of creativity.

practices that inform our clients’ businesses. As the industry continues to

Strong design builds brand recognition. This builds wealth

change, we’ll be there to help you leverage its potential for growth.

and reinforces the sustainability of business. Collaborating with diverse AEC firms positioned Astley Gilbert (AG) to

Follow @astleygilbert for more ideas.

develop customized proposal prototypes. Creative Director, Karen Ng-Hem leads this initiative with 13 years experience designing RFP’s. “One of the hallmarks of creativity is a fascination with the new and the different. Clients often ask: How can I make this proposal stand out, yet be sustainable?”

Although production values are not rated criteria, it can reflect how much you want to win the job.

Make it tactile.

Choose stocks containing 100% post consumer, FSC Certified recycled fiber – such as Rolland Enviro100™, AG’s own ForestFirst100™, or a premium biodegradable eco-paper embedded with seeds. When planted in soil, the seeds grow and the paper composts away. Printing direct to wood veneer or Eska provides a rigid cover showcasing a natural quality. Need environmentally friendly binding? Go with a barely visible saddlestitch, or opt for a rugged sewn stitch.

And if shortlisted for the interview, present yourself with Enviroboard or Falconboard – a visually stunning material

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SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

Rino Dambrosio, Vice President, Sales rino@astleygilbert.com Print direct to flexible wood veneer to enhance that natural tactile quality.

Photo credit: Karen Ng-Hem (1).

A sewn binding edge gives an understated, yet unique finish.

Photo credit: Karen Ng-Hem(2).

A versatile, lightweight but strong and sustainable VOC-free board that can be printed direct or CNC cut for short-term structural applications (3).

Photo credit: Frank Newton Enviroboard: A bright white and rigid FSC-certified board designed to be printed on both sides. Photo credit: Frank Newton (4).

ENERGY BENCHMARKING Leads to Increased Program Participation Benchmarking

allows an organization to not only compare facilities within their own portfolio but also

to facilities across the country.

Photo

credit: Independent

Electricity System Operator.

Energy benchmarking is a simple concept. Plot

With mandatory benchmarking for large commercial buildings to take effect in

your facilities’ baselines in a centralized data

2017, the IESO is expecting to see similar results. Many in the commercial real

hub. Compare the energy usage to similar

estate sector have been benchmarking their energy use for some time and certainly

facilities and see how they measure up. The

appreciate its value. However, this will be new for some who own and manage other

results can be very enlightening. Why is this

types of commercial properties like larger retail facilities, warehouses or multi-unit

building’s energy consumption so much higher

residential buildings.

than that one?

According to Rob Edwards, Business Manager, Private Sector at the IESO, Since energy benchmarking was mandated for

benchmarking is also a tool for companies looking to improve their competitive

Ontario’s public sector facilities three years ago,

position. “Benchmarking allows an organization to not only compare facilities within

data collected by the Independent Electricity

their own portfolio but also to facilities across the country. It helps them identify

System Operator (IESO) shows an increase

which ones present the largest opportunity for savings. And, depending how

in public sector organizations participating in

they compare to their peers, it can really motivate them to step up their energy

the province’s Save on Energy conservation

efficiency initiatives.”

programs. Sheer coincidence?

Ontario has an ambitious goal of reducing electricity consumption by 8.7 terawatt“We think mandatory benchmarking has a

hours by December 2020, as part of its Conservation First framework. Seven

lot to do with the uptake of our conservation

terawatt-hours is expected to come from the conservation programs delivered by

programs,” said the IESO’s Vicki Gagnon,

the province’s local hydro companies.

Business Manager, Public Sector. “Once facilities managers understand their baseline, they have

For more information about Ontario’s Save on Energy conservation programs for

the hard facts they need to build an energy

business customers, visit www.saveonenergy.ca.

management plan they can use to make the case internally for capital investment funds. It makes it easier to take the next step.”

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 17

LESSONS LEARNED FROM

NEW YORK CITY’S

BENCHMARKING PROGRAM The five boroughs of New York City are built on islands with 520 miles of combined shorelines. These exposed waterfronts are especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme storms, their accompanying surges, and heat waves. The prospect of steadily rising sea levels presents perhaps an even more precarious risk to the lower-lying elevations such as the south shore of Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan.

1 18

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

2

Along with the resiliency goals established to

measure their energy and water consumption and report it to the City. The goal

better respond to and withstand sudden events

of benchmarking is to effectively provide owners and occupants a chance to

such as hurricanes, NYC is committed to mitigating

understand their buildings’ energy performance relative to a baseline and to other

the deleterious effects of climate change and

buildings of similar use, structure, age, and size. As with all data-rich programs, this

rising sea level by reducing overall greenhouse

information must be high-quality, accurate, and accessible. Poor data quality – in

gas (GHG) emissions. Specifically, the City aims

terms of accuracy, completeness, relevance, consistency, reliability, or accessibility

to reduce GHGs by 80 percent from 2005 levels

– can lead to a lack of confidence in the results, and undermine the potential

by the year 2050. This goal, called “80x50”,

impact of the benchmarking data as a resource to guide decisions related to

focuses on four key sectors: buildings, power,

energy efficiency investments. That’s why NYC has addressed these concerns

transportation, and solid waste.

through several practices, which have yielded positive results and can serve as valuable lessons for other cities implementing building performance policies such

Within the buildings sector, NYC has enacted a

as benchmarking. Some of those practices have included:

comprehensive effort, called the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan (GGBP) to target the energy

- Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR Portfolio

efficiency of large existing buildings, which account

Manager as a standardized benchmarking platform—which has proven to be

for the majority of carbon emissions in the city. The

a powerful tool in minimizing the number of errors at the point of data entry.

GGBP is designed to ensure that information about

Portfolio Manager is an interactive resource management tool that enables users

building energy use is provided to decision-makers

to track and assess energy and water use across their entire portfolio of buildings.

and that the most cost-effective energy efficiency

The tool includes “alerts” which are designed to flag incomplete or unusual data,

measures are thereby pursued. The four regulatory

allowing users to make necessary corrections at the point of data entry. When used

components of the law are benchmarking, energy

as part of city-wide benchmarking program, collecting data from Portfolio Manager

codes, audits/retro-commissioning (building tune-

records also allows a city to compare buildings by type, age, use, and other

ups), and lighting/sub-metering.

factors, allowing for identification of underperforming buildings and promotion of exceptional buildings.

NYC’s energy and water benchmarking and transparency legislation, enacted in 2009, requires

- Local government and utilities joining forces and sharing responsibilities to

both residential and non-residential buildings

make it easier for building owners to get access to whole-building energy

over 50,000 square feet (sq. ft.) to annually

usage for the purposes of benchmarking their buildings. Through the Better

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 19

Buildings Energy Data Program, representatives from government and utilities worked together to

demonstrate

streamlined,

best-practice

approaches for building owners to access wholebuilding energy usage—with a specific focus on providing information for multi-tenant buildings.

Aggregation of whole building data by utilities made it possible for many building owners to access monthly energy usage of their building much more easily, including tenant and common spaces. Aggregating monthly data minimizes the number of re-entries, calculations, and human error even before entry into the Portfolio Manager platform.

3

4

(1) Photo credit: Sergey Galyonkin (2) Earth Day. Photo credit: NYClimate (3) Lighting Upgrade at East Harlem Health Centre. Photo credit: NYClimate (4) Solar NY Police Department 48th Precinct, Bronx: Photo Credit: NYClimate

- Starting in 2016, the City implemented a feedback process to review key property and energy fields in each report submitted by building owners. The City now emails notifications to submitters so that they are able to address any identified problems in a timely manner. Early submitters have an incentive as it gives them additional time to address any issues prior to the reporting deadline. This practice allows the City to reduce the need for heavy after-thefact data cleaning of the data set when it is shared for analysis with academic partners, public and private stakeholders, other government agencies, and the general public.

- The Benchmarking Help Center was launched in late 2015 as a one-stop shop for information, assistance, and answers to questions about NYC’s benchmarking legislation. Trained staff members walk callers through the steps necessary to submit a report, direct people to relevant training and informational resources, and answer questions related to complying with the legislation, using Portfolio Manager, and interpreting submitted data. The Help Center provides across-the-board assistance to help callers submit higherquality data.

The experiences gained from NYC’s practices show that collaboration and communication are keys to success. No single party has the wherewithal to see the goals to fruition on its own. Instead, a successful benchmarking and transparency program requires the support of many invested parties.

It is our hope that other cities can benefit from these best practices from NYC, contribute their own respective lessons to the growing benchmarking policy landscape, and further pave the way to smarter, more efficient built environments.

Ufei Chan, Program Manager, City of New York, Institute for Market Transformation.

20

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

Green Building Tours June 6, 2016

Choose from the many

CHAPTER EVENTS taking place during

Building Lasting Change

June 6-8, 2016 Legacy Event June 6, 2016

Afterparty June 6, 2016

REGISTER TODAY www.cagbc.org/blc2016

Closing Reception BBQ June 8, 2016

Drive for Change Golf Tournament June 9, 2016

Sponsorship Opportunities Available If you would like to sponsor any of these events, please contact Courtney Good, Program and Communications Manager, Greater Toronto Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council at cgood@gta.cagbc.org for more info.

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 21

Emerging GREEN BUILDERS The Emerging Green Builders (EGBs) are a group of young professionals and students committed to being leaders of change in the Green Building Industry. The EGB Committee is an official committee of the Canada Green Building Council – Greater Toronto Chapter (CaGBC-GTC) and is led by a group of select EGB Members. EGB Chapter Memberships are discounted to suit the budget of a young professional and offers additional discounts on CaGBC-GTC education and networking events, in addition to quarterly events created especially for EGBs by EGBs, all of which are listed below: Top: Andy Schonberger

and

Jim Lord

share their experiences and give

tips on how to network in a new industry.

Bottom left: Mentors answer questions Mixer. Photo credit: Diana McHugh.

Photo

credit:

Miguel Santos.

Mentor

at the second annual

Entering the Green Building Industry – February 2016 On February 4, 2016, guests heard from Andy Schonberger - Business Development Manager at Cisco Systems Canada, and Jim Lord - Principal at Ecovert Sustainability Consultants. Andy and Jim spoke about their lessons learned within the industry and gave advice on how to best get involved and kick-start a career in green building. At the end, the two joined efforts to address questions from the crowd, covering everything from their personal experiences, to their insight on the future of the Green Building Industry.

Mentor Mixer – May 5, 2016 This popular event is back for another year! Industry up-and-comers get the opportunity to meet and interact with some of Toronto’s biggest movers and shakers in the Green Building Industry. Participants are placed into small groups and will have the opportunity to sit down with each leader to hear their stories and share advice for career development, speed dating style! This year’s mentors can be found here: http://bit.ly/EGBmixer2016.

22

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

Right: Cyclists

pose for a quick photo during a pit stop on the bike tour.

Green Building Bike Tour – August 2016 The annual Green Building Bike Tour is the EGB’s biggest summer attraction and has gained significant popularity over the last few years. The tour focuses on buildings within the Greater Toronto Area with exceptional sustainable features, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn and be inspired. Cyclists will visit 2-4 buildings and listen to representatives from each project team as they lead each tour. After a day of exploring the city, the tour will end at a public green space, perfect for sharing a drink / snacks with participants and enjoying spectacular views of Toronto’s landmarks.

enviroSCULPT Competition – September 2016 The EGB Committee of the Canada Green Building Council - Greater Toronto Chapter have already started preparations to host the annual enviroSCULPT competition. A fun and exciting contest for students and young professionals, enviroSCULPT aims to promote awareness of the importance of diverting materials from the waste stream and is designed to encourage the creative exploration of turning re-purposed materials into beautiful works of art. All finalists receive free admission to the CaGBC Greater Toronto Chapter Gala and Awards!

Join us!

If you are a new professional within 5 years of graduation or a student, or 30 years of age or younger you are eligible for membership as an EGB.

For more information on any of these events, or to become a member, please visit the website: http://www. cagbctoronto.org/membership/egb Left: First place winners receive their prize at the CaGBC Greater Toronto Chapter Gala and Awards Photo credit: Alex Webster Photography.

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 23

YOUR QUICK REFERENCE RESOURCE uVisit our on-line Directory to see hundreds of listings of companies which supply products and services for sustainable, high-performance building.

CANADIAN DIRECTORY OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGHPERFORMANCE BUILDING

uCompanies are listed by Product Category and by LEED Category in cases where they have products which can potentially help a project earn LEED points. uAmong the listings are our partners – listed below – who are briefly described in the Directory and linked to their web sites for more detailed information.

OUR 2016 PARTNERS SITE | LANDSCAPING | RAINWATER HARVESTING >Busch Systems >greenscreen® >N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd. >Unilock >Wishbone Industries Ltd.

STRUCTURE & EXTERIOR ENVELOPE >Alumicor Building Excellence >Bailey Metal Products Ltd. >Dryvit Systems Canada >Engineered Assemblies >LiveRoof Ontario Inc. >Stonerox >Thames Valley Brick & Tile >Tremco

THERMAL & WINDOWS >Demilec: Heatlok Soya, PolarFoam Soya >Eco Insulating Glass Inc. >Pollard Windows Inc. >UNILUX Windows and Doors

INTERIOR FINISHES >Baillargeon Doors Inc. >CBR Products >CertainTeed AirRenew® M2Tech® >Columbia Forest Products >Dinoflex >Forbo Flooring Systems >Interface >Lynden Door >Nora Systems, Inc. >Olympia Tile International Inc. >Tectum >Shaw Contract Group

ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | HVAC | RENEWABLES >Acuity Brands >Duravit >Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. >Sloan Valve >Taco Comfort Solutions

>Tate Access Floors >Termobuild >Uponor >Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. >Zehnder America Inc.

GREEN DESIGN SUPPORT + PROFESSIONALS >ATA Arctic to Antarctic Portable or Permanent Homes >Architek SBP Inc. >Belnor Engineering Inc. >Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute >Cement Association of Canada >Eco Building Resource >FABRIQ architecture >Homesol Building Solutions Inc. >Legacy Building Solutions >MetroCan Construction Ltd. >Pinwheel Building Supplies >SCS Global Services >Sweeny&Company Architects Inc.

Go to: http://sabmagazine.com/product-directory.html 24

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

The Case for Geothermal Heating and Cooling: COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE

Top: Drilling at the Westwood II Project with New Horizon Homes. Bottom: Mechanical room at the Ironstone project in Burlington.

It is well known that we are currently facing a climate crisis.

Global temperatures are increasing, sea levels are on the rise, ice caps are breaking and wide scale solutions are perpetually being sought after.

The province of Ontario continues to be a leader in finding viable, cost effective solutions to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions, and Geothermal is one of those solutions.

When put into perspective, Geothermal makes a great case.

If One million homes converted to geothermal from fossil fuel heating, Canada could reduce its CO2 emissions by approximately 5.5 to 7.5 megatonnes per year. That would be the equivalent of converting about 1.5 to 1.8 million cars to zero emission vehicles or planting almost one billion trees. This represents about 1% of Canada’s total equivalent CO2 emissions and about 10% of Canada’s required reductions to meet its 2020 target. The technology, which has been in use for close to four decades, has proven results at millions of installation sites across North America.

Some of the major benefits that a home or business owner can expect from this technology is a 25% to 50% reduction in utility costs compared to

Put simply, geothermal heating

a conventional system. Additionally,

and cooling utilizes the earth’s

maintenance costs are significantly

renewable energy, just below

lower while achieving higher levels of

the surface; to heat and cool

comfort year round. With geothermal

buildings

using

the building becomes part of the

water circulated though pipes

solution to a global crisis rather than

which distribute heating and

part of the problem.

cooling.

sustainably

The

only

external

energy needed is the small amount required to

We are all trying to do our part to solve climate change, but it starts with you. Recognizing

operate the refrigerant compressor, ground loop

geothermal as a key technology is the first step to widespread acceptance and a dramatic

pump, and fan. In Ontario, where electricity is

reduction of GHG emissions from buildings.

generated from low-carbon sources, the GHG’s associated with geothermal are negligible.

Author: Paul Frith, Director of Advocacy & Sales at GeoSource Energy Inc.

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 25

BUILDING MOMENTUM ON CIVICACTION’S RACE TO REDUCE CivicAction’s multi award-winning Race to Reduce mobilized the commercial office sector to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), while saving millions of dollars in costs. One of the largest regional voluntary energy reduction challenges in the world, it encouraged GTHA landlords and tenants to work together to reduce

energy use within their respective buildings while contributing to a meaningful collective reduction of 12.1% over four years (2011-2014), charging past the program’s four-year target of 10%.

While achieving the target was a feat in itself, the Race to Reduce demonstrated

Let’s continue to build on this momentum. The need to

what we can achieve when unprecedented collaboration among landlords,

conserve energy remains as we continue to welcome

tenants, and service providers embeds energy benchmarking and annual

residents and office workers to the region amidst an abiding

energy reporting as “business as usual”. The Race advanced the commitment

appetite for energy. With new market drivers like provincial

to voluntary energy reporting by fostering a friendly yet competitive spirit. The

mandatory energy reporting and a cap and trade system

Race drove the commercial office sector towards a common goal, celebrated

now underway, the private sector is well positioned to

the highest achievers and sparked the imagination by demonstrating “what

show leadership. Investment in new green technologies and

is possible”.

energy-saving processes and policies will go a long way to bring Canada to the forefront of the new green economy.

CIVICACTION’S RACE TO REDUCE RECEIVES THE NATIONAL ENERGY GLOBE AWARD FOR CANADA. From left to right: Ian Jarvis, Enerlife Consulting; Nicole Beayni, CivicAction; Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Roger Johnson, TD Bank; Arnulf Gressel, Austrian Consulate; Brad Henderson, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada; Sevaun Palvetzian, CivicAction; Leslie Domenico, CivicAction; Rod Phillips, CivicAction; Lachlan MacQuarrie, Oxford Properties Group; Linda Weichel, CivicAction. Image Credit: Alyssa Katherine Faoro.

26

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

For more on the story of CivicAction’s Race to Reduce, view the final report Over the Finish Line: Race, Reduce, Repeat: http://bit.ly/R2RFinalReport

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SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 27 2016-04-27 3:24 PM

700 BAY INTRODUCTION Purchased by KingSett in 2012, 700 Bay is a mixed-use complex comprised of residential, office and retail components with the residential/office tower currently occupying 70% of the site. Pursuant to KingSett Capital’s development vision and in keeping with its urban intensification strategy, a new tower has been designed to fill the remainder of the site, creating much needed new purpose built rental units in this downtown core, university and health care district with close proximity to public transit and employment opportunities. The new project includes a 31-storey residential tower with a 4-level overbuild to accommodate an extensive amenities package which will serve all of the complex’s existing and new residents. This new tower will yield 260 new residential units, in approximately 199,098 square feet of rentable area.

As with any LEED Gold project and in line with KingSett Capital’s sustainability objectives, energy consumption was a key consideration and major design driver. It was imperative that thoughtful sustainable design was incorporated at the very inception of the project.

To achieve our energy reduction goals, KingSett introduced Morrison Hershfield’s parametric energy modelling into the up-front design process. Working in conjunction with the project’s architects, Quadrangle, the design quickly took shape.

ENERGY MODELLING IN DESIGN PHASE. A fundamental challenge with integrating energy performance early into the design process is the timing between when energy modeling results are required and the availability of quality information for developing an accurate picture on building energy performance. Accelerating the development of energy models provides the team with accurate information

In addition to the development of new residential units, the project includes significant modernization of the existing complex. The existing office and residential lobbies will be extensively renovated, the residential elevators will be raised, providing access to the new amenity floors

to guide the development of specifications and design and reduces the number of revisions required later in the process.

The design team was able to more readily assess the energy profile impact of multiple design options.

where previously only stair access existed and mechanical systems will be upgraded improving tenant comfort and operational efficiencies. The opportunity to intensify the 700 Bay property gave KingSett Capital an economic advantage of maximizing the existing mechanical and electrical infrastructure while upgrading, where required, and maximizing efficiencies, where possible. The new tower is being designed to a LEED Gold Standard and is pursuing LEED New Construction 2009.

28

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

TOP IMAGE: PROPOSED VIEW OF THE NORTH WEST CORNER - A TWO STOREY GLAZED RESIDENTIAL LOBBY ANIMATES THE CORNER OF GERRARD AND ELIZABETH. SCULPTURAL ELEMENTS AND CONTINUOUS MATERIALS ON THE CEILING PLANE CREATE A DYNAMIC DIALOGUE BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT. A PUNCHED WINDOW APPROACH WITH A HIGH EFFECTIVE R-VALUE CLADS MORE THAN 50% OF THE BUILDING AND JULIETTE BALCONIES IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL BALCONIES ELIMINATES THE ISSUE OF THERMAL BRIDGING. CREDIT: QUADRANGLE ARCHITECTS LIMITED.

EXISTING AND PROPOSED DIAGRAMS DEMONSTRATE 700 BAY AS IT CURRENTLY EXISTS AS WELL AS THE PROPOSED 31-STOREY RESIDENTIAL POINT TOWER AND FOUR FLOORS OF “OVERBUILD” ON TOP OF THE EXISTING TOWERS UNIFY THE NEW AND EXISTING AND PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY SHARED AMENITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. CREDIT: QUADRANGLE ARCHITECTS LIMITED.

EXISTING

PROPOSED

In utilising the Parametric Energy Modelling Simulation, the entire matrix

filter out unwanted design options and to focus on project

design variables were modeled and key performance outputs of interest

priorities, immediately understanding the impact on building

to the design team were determined, including: energy use, a key priority

performance and design options which would achieve

for the overall design, building code and Toronto Green Standard (TGS)

KingSett’s desired criteria.

compliance, specific end-use breakdowns, window-to-wall ratio, HVAC and lighting systems and others. This allowed the design team to assess

The image below demonstrates the modelling output based

large numbers of design options early in the process and maximized the

on the architect’s renderings and initial elevation plans. To

potential for energy and cost savings.

achieve a maximum of LEED energy-based credits, several factors and paths of compliance were immediately determined

The practice of energy modelling upfront helped designers set direction

for items such as wall r-value, window-to-wall ratio ranges,

for the design by having all of the energy output information available

ECM motors and lighting options.

in one meeting, expediting decision making. It allowed the team to

The upfront energy modelling approach also helped to manage risk by

Early energy modeling informed, not only the design of the

reducing potential redesign and other possible project delays. Having all

new build, but also identified capital improvements to the

of the information available, filtered unwanted design options out of the

existing development that, when completed, will allow the

results to facilitate a focus on project priorities.

new building to achieve LEED Gold and TGS Tier 1 targets and will also enhance the comfort and experience for existing office tenants and residents.

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS 29

The building sector has a huge part to play in Ontario’s fight against climate change

Photo credit: Alex Webster Photography

Climate change is not a distant threat. It is already costing the people of Ontario.

Building for the future means building sustainability into

It has devastated communities, damaged homes, businesses and crops, and

all of our actions — especially the areas where we live

increased insurance rates. It is crucial that we take steps today to fight climate

and work.

change, protect the environment, and ensure strong communities for the future.

Through smart investments and actions, we have an

Buildings in Ontario accounted for 19 per cent of our province’s greenhouse

exciting opportunity to take advantage of the significant

gas emissions in 2013 – Ontario’s third largest source of emissions – and that

economic benefits that the new global low-carbon

percentage is rising.

economy will offer.

The good news is the buildings sector holds the most potential for delivering

By 2030, I envision that Ontario will have started to

significant and cost-effective greenhouse gas emission reductions and will play a

build the framework to minimize energy use and to use

key role in our province’s transformation to a low-carbon economy.

renewable energy in buildings. We will have put in place

As announced in the 2015 Fall Economic Statement, Ontario is investing $325-million into green projects through the Green Investment Fund – a down payment on the province’s cap and trade program – $184-million of which is being invested in the building sector.

Ontario is investing in retrofits in high-rise and social housing towers, energyefficiency investments in small and medium-sized businesses and industry, energy

buildings-science expertise, production capacity for buildings materials, and the technologies and workforce to maintain and build near-net-zero buildings.

Our commitment to resilient buildings will help communities cope with and withstand the impacts of climate change while being energy efficient.

audits and retrofits for homeowners and affordable housing, and in Métis and First

Our actions across all sectors as we shift to a low-carbon

Nation communities across the province.

economy are already strengthening the economy,

Ontario’s cap and trade program will help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging companies to invest in more clean technology. All proceeds

creating good jobs and driving innovation while fighting climate change.

generated from cap and trade will be invested in a transparent way to further

Fighting climate change may feel like an impossible

reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

task, but together, we can do it. Children born today

Through the Climate Change Strategy and soon-to-be released Climate Change Action Plan, Ontario is developing a co-ordinated approach to reduce emissions from new and existing buildings: we’re supporting net-zero buildings across the

will never know a world without a changing climate. But if we act now, we can limit those changes and build a greener, more prosperous Ontario for all.

province through updates to Ontario’s Building Code, incentive programs, removal

- Glen R. Murray, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment

of regulatory barriers, and encouraging the transition to lower carbon fuels and to

and Climate Change

building materials that store carbon.

30

SPRING 2016 Toronto FOCUS

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