Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Mississauga will use $175,000 from the federal Green Municipal Fund to create a comprehensive set of Green Development Standards for all new private buildings.
“Climate change is real. This investment will help address the need for stringent green development standards,” says Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “As we continue to build this great city, we want to ensure that our new residential and commercial buildings are built in a robust manner that increases resiliency and protects our environment now and for the future.”
The City’s existing standards have resulted in more energy efficient developments, reduce urban heat island effects and address stormwater management and flood mitigation.
“Progress in the fight against climate change requires bold action,” said Chris Fonseca, Ward 3 Councillor and Federation of Canadian Municipalities board member. “The Green Municipal Fund allocation enables Mississauga to take a significant step to reduce greenhouse gas by creating green development standards that help meet our reduction target.”
Aligned with Mississauga’s Climate Change Action Plan, the new Green Development Standards is expected to improve energy efficiency, building resiliency and sustainable sites for private developments. It will target greenhouse gas emissions and include performance metrics that are obtainable and enforceable.
“The updated Green Development Standard will embed environmental protection into the design and development process in Mississauga,” said Andrew Whittemore, commissioner, planning and building. “This will ensure our future buildings are resilient, sustainable and more liveable. Residents and business owners will also benefit from cost savings in energy efficiency and infrastructure maintenance. Our goal is to set the bar for future green development that can be adopted across municipalities.”