Item - 2008.EX17.15
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on March 3, 2008 without amendments.
- This item will be considered by Executive Committee on February 6, 2008. It will be considered by City Council on March 3, 2008, subject to the actions of the Executive Committee.
EX17.15 - Update on Green Roof Strategy
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on March 3, 4 and 5, 2008, adopted the following motion:
1. Council amend its policy respecting the installation of green roofs on City and ABC owned facilities by deleting the term ‘where feasible’ so that the policy now reads:
a. where technically practical, green roofs with a coverage of at least 50% of the building footprint be constructed on all new city-owned buildings, including agencies, boards and commissions; and
b. where technically practical, green roofs be installed on existing City-owned buildings, including agencies, boards and commissions, when roofs are due to be replaced.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-10414.pdf
EX17.15 - Update on Green Roof Strategy
- Consideration Type:
- ACTION
- Wards:
- All
Origin
Recommendations
The City Planning Division recommends that:
1. Council amend its policy respecting the installation of green roofs on City and ABC owned facilities by deleting the term ‘where feasible’ so that the policy now reads:
a. where technically practical, green roofs with a coverage of at least 50% of the building footprint be constructed on all new city-owned buildings, including Agencies, Boards and Commissions; and
b. where technically practical, green roofs be installed on existing City-owned buildings, including Agencies, Boards and Commissions, when roofs are due to be replaced.
Summary
A pilot incentive program was initiated in 2006 and to date has resulted in the construction of 16 green roofs. The City and its ABC’s have installed 3 green roofs, with 9 more proposed for construction commencing in 2008/2009, and a further 10 under consideration. Through the development approval process, 14 green roofs were approved in 2007. A green roofs webpage has been established on City’s website and 60 city staff from different Divisions have attended a specialized training course. In 2007 the City of Toronto’s Green Roof Strategy was awarded the Federation of Canadian Municipalities FCM CH2Hill Sustainable Community Award. Approximately 40 green roofs have been constructed and/or planned since the Green Roof Strategy was approved.
When Council approved the green roofs strategy, it recommended that green roofs be installed on city-owned facilities and those of the City’s ABC’s “where feasible and practical” to address the fact that the approved budgets for proposed facilities may not be able to accommodate the additional costs associated with green roofs. However, the term ‘where feasible’ may now be deleted since proposed new facilities contemplating a green roof can account for any additional costs at the time of budget approval. The term “where practical’ should remain as there could be situations in both new construction and roof replacement where structural or other technical concerns would preclude the construction of a green roof. For clarification, the term should read ‘where technically practical’, so that it is not confused with monetary feasibility. It should be noted that green roofs are complementary to, and not in conflict with rooftop renewable energy systems.
Financial Impact
This recommendation will have no financial impact beyond what has already been approved in this year’s budget.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-10414.pdf