The City of Toronto’s Planning and Growth Committee met earlier this week to discuss the proposed and highly controversial ‘Green Roof’ by-law. A green roof is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil that has been planted over a waterproof layer. The benefits of these roofs include reduced energy use, reduced storm water runoff, and increased longevity of the roof by protecting it from natural elements.
The original version of the by-law would have made green roofs mandatory in new construction of condos higher than 7 storeys and office or retail complexes greater than 54,000 square feet beginning in 2010. The law was to require 30-60% of subjected buildings’ roofs to be green (depending on the size of the building) and violators would be subject to fines up to $100,000.
Following the introduction of the by-law earlier this year, it has been met with very vocal opposition from the city’s development community and some members of the media. The developers cite the additional costs needed to construct and maintain green roofs (which they claim to be $18-28 per square foot over traditional roofs) and the contradictory nature of the by-law with existing building policies. Some members of the media have raised concerns about the city’s lack of consultation and planning that went into the design of the by-law.
Given the controversy surrounding the original version of the by-law, it was a surprise when the Planning and Growth Committee announced this week that the by-law has actually been expanded to include a number of structures not included in the original version. The revised version requires green roofs on new residential and office buildings that are as small as 22,000 square feet and /or 6 storeys high, and now includes public schools, non-profit housing, and industrial complexes.
New concerns have been raised about the differing standards that are being applied to industrial buildings as opposed to condos and offices. Builders of industrial complexes only have to allocate 10% of the area as green roofs (to a maximum of 22,000 square feet) and have until 2011 to comply with the by-law. Patrick Berne of the developer Pemberton says the revised by-law “is totally backwards” because green roofs are least effective on tall slender high rises and most effective on low warehouse-type facilities with big square footage.
The revised by-law will be debated by Toronto’s pro-green council later this month. Stay tuned.
Image: Small at flickr under a CC License
Stephen Boles is co-founder of Kuzuka, a marketplace website that will bring a new level of convenience and confidence to carbon offset customers and provide consulting services to organizations that want to assess and reduce their carbon footprint.
This action is very similar to the legislation out of Tokyo. Although I would prefer builders and owners to determine whether they want a green roof as opposed to government action, I do believe in the benefits of green roofs.
Canada, particularly Western Canada, has some very successful green roofs. I have read that Canada’s largest green roof is in Vancouver (http://cleanerairforcities.blogspot.com/2009/04/canadas-largest-green-roof-is-in.html)
I hope that Toronto’s builders, owners, and tenants are able to enjoy the positive benefits of green roofs, despite the imposition of government.