Do you want the places we work, shop and live to be more pleasant? Are you concerned about climate change for future generations and want the city doing its part? That’s what Mississauga’s new Green Development Standards and Climate Change Action Plan are designed to achieve. These plans are targeted at new construction, but create benefits for all and make a real difference in our community.
Reducing Building Emissions
Half of the city’s greenhouse-gas emissions come from buildings. Good news though — we can lower this by a lot. The Green Development Standards will help developers build in a way that uses less energy and saves money. However, these new rules didn’t just pop up overnight. City Environment Staff talked to both people who live here and experts. They also looked at what other places are doing right. Small changes in how buildings are designed and operated can make a big difference. They will make our air cleaner and our community economically stronger.
Tiered Green Standards
The rules are set up in levels known as a tiered system. The first level is mandatory for developers, and the next two are extra steps that are simply encouraged for now, but will become mandatory by 2030. This plan is geared to get new buildings to near zero emissions in just a few years, with the first improvements starting in 2025.
1. Green Roofs
Vegetated roofs can assist in stormwater management, improve air quality, provide greater insulation, extend the natural environment and reduce GHG emissions.
2. Lower Greenhouse Gas
Green Buildings emit far fewer GHG’s.
3. Energy Systems
Solar panels, wind generation and geo-exchange systems reduce or remove reliance on the energy grid.
4. Energy Savings
Green buildings require less energy, which lowers utility costs.
5. Heat Island Effect
Light coloured paving and white roofs can reflect instead of absorb solar energy and cool outside air in hot weather.
6. Less Air Pollution
Green buildings produce less air pollution than a typical building. An all-electric building could produce no air pollution at all.
7. Temperature Comfort
A well insulated building keeps indoor temperatures comfortable.
8. Biodiverse Landscaping
Drought tolerant, hybrid shade trees, native species and pollinator flowers provide many environmental benefits and help biodiversity.
9. Market Value
Green buildings are highly sought after and retain market value longer than typical buildings.
10. Low-Carbon Travel
Proximity to public transit, trail systems, electric vehicle charging stations and secure bicycle storage makes low-carbon travel more convenient.
11. Power Outage Resiliency
Renewable energy and energy storage can provide backup energy sources.
12. Less Noise
Greater insulation and a tighter exterior building envelope results in less noise entering the building.
Want to know more? Check out all the details at yoursay.mississauga.ca/green-standards-2023
