The City of Toronto has updated the Toronto Green Standard to include stepped performance targets to approach zero emissions for all new buildings by 2030. This update represents a critical step toward achieving City Council’s low-carbon goals established in TransformTO, Toronto’s Climate Action Strategy.
The Toronto Green Standard sets out the requirements for new development in Toronto to do its part to improve air and water quality, reduce energy use and waste, and enhance tree cover and wildlife habitat. Introduced in 2010, the made-in-Toronto green development standards program was the first of its kind in North America to combine mandatory with incentivized, voluntary targets.
Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto City Hall. Photo by Vibhu Sridhar via Wikimedia Commons. “Toronto has always been a leader in protecting our environment and conserving energy, and we are already seeing TransformTO help ensure the long-term vibrancy and livability of our city with our raised Green Standard,” said Mayor John Tory. “I look forward to supporting full funding for TransformTO when this year’s budget comes up for a vote next month and look forward to the further progress we can make on addressing climate change.”
“The Toronto Green Standard strives to create more comfortable, well insulated buildings and homes that use less energy and cost less to operate,” said Councillor David Shiner (Ward 24 Willowdale), Chair of the Planning ...