Regulations are constantly changing and this is a rundown on the current regulations and incentive programs that are in place for development in the City of Toronto in the Summer of 2011.
The City of Toronto will only issue permits for developments that meet the current Toronto Green Standard. This includes: non-residential buildings up to three storeys in height; detached, semi-detached and town homes, in projects containing a minimum of 5 dwellings/units up to three storeys in height; and all residential apartment buildings and non-residential buildings that are 4 storeys and higher.
In this standard there is a requirement for minimum level of energy performance of 25% beyond the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB). In order to prove these energy savings results from an energy model of the building has to be submitted to the City. Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM’s) beyond this 25% energy performance can be considered and evaluated for payback/ ROI by the developer.
Achieve 35% or more energy savings beyond MNECB and you will get a refund of 20% of your Development Charges paid to the City. Toronto Hydro will pay for the Energy Modeling fee as part of the BBP-NC program, for a rebate of up to $10,000, plus monetary incentives for every kWh saved.
There are more financial loans mechanisms for Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM’s) available through the Toronto Atmospheric Fund.
Since you are going to have to meet the Toronto Green Standard you might as well consider getting the building LEED-certified. You are almost there! LEED certification would give help you market your building to more investors.