Toronto is at the forefront of sustainable development, blending innovation with eco-consciousness in many of its structures. As someone who’s seen these green-certified buildings up close, I can attest to their impact on the urban landscape and their contribution to a more sustainable future.
The Green Building Council of Canada’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification has further highlighted Toronto’s commitment to eco-friendly architecture.
From high-rise office complexes to residential condominiums, here are the top 9 green-certified buildings leading Toronto’s journey toward a greener future.
Let’s dive into the city’s top 9 green-certified buildings that are leading the way in eco-friendly design and innovation.
Quick Summary
- In 2022, Canada achieved notable recognition in the global green building sector by ranking third in the world for LEED-certified buildings.
- According to the Waterfront Toronto Green Building Requirements (GBR) Version 3.0, new residential buildings should provide garden plots for at least 30% of units.
- LEED rating levels are categorized as Platinum for 80+ points earned, Gold for 60-79 points, Silver for 50-59 points, and Certified for 40-49 points earned.
1. TD Centre Complex
Located in Toronto’s Financial District, the six-building TD Centre Complex is among the largest LEED Platinum-certified office spaces in North America.
Featuring a cutting-edge cooling system, a 22,000-square-foot green roof, and robust waste management, the TD Centre also incorporates soil moisture monitoring to reduce water consumption, making it a cornerstone of sustainable architecture in the city [1].
2. Royal Bank Plaza
Royal Bank Plaza, which achieved LEED Gold certification, underwent extensive upgrades to enhance energy efficiency. With energy-saving lighting, water-efficient systems, and a strong recycling program, this building exemplifies sustainable practices.
The space utilizes natural light and features hands-free taps, low-flow restrooms, and a real-time energy monitoring system, helping both employees and visitors stay environmentally conscious [2].
3. The Berczy
Completed in 2014, this condominium project achieved LEED Gold certification in the same year.
The architects selected sustainable materials and power-intensive electrical equipment. Owing to this, they could structure an eco-friendly residential building. Besides, it has a rooftop garden too. Residents can find this right next to St. Lawrence Market.
4. Barrymore Building
Previously, this structure was known as the Barrymore Furniture factory. Situated in Liberty Village, the property has since been turned into a variety of retail and commercial spaces.
It is home to the Knoll Showroom, which has LEED Platinum certification. Designed with post-consumer materials, Barrymore features extensive use of natural light.
5. GRIT Lab
The GRIT Lab is located at 230 College Street. The country's rooftop research centre studies several sustainable technologies.
For instance, it includes solar panels, green walls, and green roofs. Its facility includes a temperature sensor and two photovoltaic cells.
Additionally, it uses three green walls, 33 green roof test models, and over 300 detectors that collect data consistently.
6. George Brown College Waterfront Campus
This magnificent structure serves higher education as well as several environmentally friendly programs. The George Brown College Waterfront campus has received numerous awards for its environmental stewardship.
A LEED Gold-certified architecture, it integrates very nicely with the natural surroundings of the lakeside town. Atmospheric carbon detectors, an open green roof, and low-flow piping regulate and manage the ventilation on campus.
7. Greenstone Building
It is the first-ever building in North Canada to attain the LEED gold position.
This Yellowknife's construction has the world's most giant curtain walls with solar batteries in the central chamber. Specifically, those walls heat the water collected from the rooftop garden and groundwater.
8. Earth Rangers Centre
This modernist structure went through extensive repairs in 2012 to transform it into a light-filled, environmentally friendly office for the Ontario government.
For this reason, while planning the sustainable building, the architects removed many portions of the structure to create a new four-story showpiece lobby.
As a result, the property's LEED Gold, Class-A status was supported by energy-efficient windows and mechanical and electrical modifications.
9. 20A Senlac Road
This residential building has prefabricated modules. A LEED Gold certified structure, Senlac features VOC (volatile organic compound) free coatings, low-flow plumbing fittings, and a PV array installation.
Upcoming Green Buildings in Toronto
1. EQ Bank Tower
This 24-story building is located on the outskirts of Toronto's Corktown neighbourhood. Undoubtedly, it looks forward to having a LEED Gold certificate. Likewise, it will mark environment-friendly ventilation, plant walls, and green patios.
2. Waterfront Innovation Centre
The Waterfront Innovation Centre is a huge office building designed specifically for tech and creative industry personnel. In addition, it targets to achieve LEED platinum accreditation. It will boast green surroundings, automated technologies and also sensors to check occupancy and lighting conditions.
3. Jane and Finch Community Hub and Arts Centre
The structure is part of a future Finch West LRT warehousing. In addition, the maintenance site is built on land provided by the Ontario government.
The unit also includes several environmentally-friendly features. For example, it uses rooftop gardens and a soccer field, as well as timber frames, energy-efficient components, and plenty of trees.
4. The Arbour
This building has solar chimneys and a tilted, photovoltaic roof to capture natural light and air for the ventilating system. One of Ontario's first mass wood establishment, it will also reside next to the Waterfront Innovation Centre.
5. North-East Scarborough Community and Child Care Centre
This project has many eco-friendly features, such as excellent corrugated metal surfaces reflecting the sunshine and absorbing heat. It has metal vents for shade atop floor-to-ceiling windows and an ecological green roof. It's also near the Toronto zoo.
6. Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus
It covers a 750,000-square-foot lab, research, and conference facility made to unite the school community of researchers, students, and businessmen. To get the LEED gold certification, it also features rooftop gardens and lustrous floor heating.
Why Green Buildings Matter to Toronto’s Future
Toronto’s commitment to sustainable development reflects the city’s efforts to enhance its environmental footprint while supporting the health and well-being of its residents.
These green-certified buildings contribute to lower carbon emissions, improved energy efficiency, and sustainable urban growth, showcasing the potential of eco-conscious design in urban settings.
Stay tuned at Precondo for more lofts for sale in Toronto and the latest real estate news in Canada.
References:
- https://www.cadillacfairview.com/office/group/cf-td-centre/
- https://www.wzmh.com/projects/royal-bank-plaza-and-royal-bank-plaza-repositioning-1/
