The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) noted that 378 commercial projects in Canada have earned LEED certification-with 25 projects achieving LEED’s highest rating, Platinum. Over 2,600 more commercial projects are in the pipeline as registered projects. In Toronto, over 40 projects have certified, with almost 300 more in the pipeline. Canada’s LEED footprint totals 480 million square feet of high-performing, green buildings.
“The business and civic leaders in Canada are front and center in the green building movement, especially in Toronto,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and Founding chair, USGBC. “Toronto’s world-renowned skyline is continuing to evolve and their commitment to designing, building and operating high-performance, energy-efficient buildings that are healthier for the community and future generations is an inspiration.”
Canada’s stock of LEED certified green buildings is as diverse as the market it serves-from high-performing existing and newly constructed buildings, to retail and office interiors. In 2010, coffee giant Starbucks certified its first store in Toronto at Bathurst & St. Clair. The Financial District’s Royal Bank Plaza, Sun Life Financial Tower and 77 King Street West all earned LEED Gold as existing buildings last year, as did Bell Trinity Square in 2009, home to Bell Canada, Hydro One Networks, Fidelity Investments Canada and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Last year, Canadian engineering firm Enermodal earned LEED Platinum for its Toronto offices and has reported 37 per cent tenant energy savings and 53 per cent indoor water savings. Upper Canada College’s William P. Wilder Arena & Sports Complex earned LEED Gold, and uses 35 per cent less energy annually than a conventional rink.
“Toronto’s bustling cityscape, diverse corporate landscape and economy has primed the city for its place on the map as a leader in green building,” said Thomas Mueller, president, Canada Green Building Council. “Our portfolio of LEED projects throughout the city is vast and is continuing to grow.”