Green Roof Initiative Toronto

Read this section carefully before submitting architectural structural plumbing electrical or mechanical plans for a green roof.

Green roof initiative toronto. 4 central toronto ymca. Grhc develops and protects the market by increasing the awareness of the economic social and environmental benefits of green roofs green walls and other forms of living architecture through education advocacy professional development and celebrations of excellence. The green roof bylaw sets out a graduated green roof requirement for new development or additions that are greater than 2 000 m in gross floor area. Grants for green roofs and cool roofs grants are available to support the installation of green roofs and cool roofs on toronto homes and buildings.

How toronto became the leading green roof city in north america. Green roofs for healthy cities grhc is the north american industry association for the green roof and wall sectors. Green roofs are subject to the design and construction requirements detailed in article iv section 4 02 d in the rules and regulations pdf. Welcome to live green toronto.

Smack dab in the heart of the city near the intersection of yonge and wellesley you ll find the central ymca s green roof open all summer long this green space is the very definition of multi use. There s a raised platform in the middle for exercise classes yoga is a popular one a running track a fountained water feature plus benches for lounging it s. Together we ll make toronto one of the greenest cities in the world. Green roofs support the growth of vegetation and consists of a waterproofing membrane drainage layer organic growing medium soil and vegetation.

Toronto s green roof initiative are to reduce stormwater runoff heat island effect and energy consumption 7 to this end the suggested depth for the growing medium is 100 mm the minimum depth likely to provide a 60 reduction in runoff which is the performance standard aimed for in the bylaw 10. We deliver programs grants incentives and resources to engage the community in helping to transformto and accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Cool roofs reflect the sun s rays and reduce heat build up. The green roof bylaw sets out a graduated green roof requirement for new development or additions greater than 2 000 m gross floor area as well as governing the construction standards of green roofs.

In 2009 toronto was the first city in north america to adopt a bylaw to require and govern the construction of green roofs. The green roof strategy 2006 in february 2006 toronto city council adopted toronto s green roof strategy to encourage the construction of green roofs on city and privately owned buildings through incentives public education and the development approval process.