Client

Toronto Region and Conservation Authority

Building Size

7,433 sq.m / 80,000 sq.ft

Location

Toronto, ON

This building for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) new carbon neutral administrative headquarters is a four-storey, 80,000 square foot, wood-structured building designed to zero carbon, target LEED Platinum and WELL Silver standard. This project makes a conscious effort to achieve a smaller footprint through all lifecycle phases, with model simulations predicting over 50% reduction in operating emissions, and over 75% reduction in embodied carbon compared to the average Toronto building. This new facility will reduce operating costs, while helping TRCA deliver the best possible customer service and support and will serve as an example of best practices in green building.

The TRCA’s new headquarters is utilizeded as a learning centre – a living laboratory for developers, researchers, professionals, and students that will contribute to the uptake of improved methods and technologies that demonstrate zero carbon features and green infrastructure restoration. The concept design incorporates strategies and technology for renewable energy, innovative wastewater management and integration with the ravine landscape. The project is also part of a group of 16 projects chosen to participate in a two-year pilot of CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Standard which will help to further refine the standard, plus accompanying resources and education.