When you’re looking for a Toronto condo, you might come across the phrase “LEED Certified.” This means a building is certified environmentally as conscious (it stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Developments gain points for every green design feature used, and if they get enough points they become LEED certified. There are also increasing levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
So what does a "green" building mean to you as a buyer?
- Buildings that are LEED certified are a good investment, since this certification has been found to add value to resale condos (the certification can also lower mortgage insurance if you got a loan).
- Costs are less in the long run since energy and water usage are more efficient.
- Your individual unit, as well as the whole building, offers green living features that will make you proud to call your condo home!
Here are 5 Toronto Condo Buildings with Green Designs:
1. 30 Roehampton Avenue – Minto 30 Roe
This midtown building is located near Yonge and Eglinton, so it already has location going for it! Minto Group has won awards for Green Builder of the Year multiple times, and 30 Roehampton Ave is an example of why. It features:
- Coated window treatments and special insulation to decrease heat.
- Individual heating and cooling, with HRV (heat recovery ventilator) coils that reduce heat loss and costs. They bring fresh air from outside into every unit, instead of from the interior hallways.
- Electric car plug-ins.
- A bike sharing program.
- Rain harvesting, to reduce water usage for watering the gardens.
- A green roof: These green rooftop gardens reduce the “heat island effect,” (where rooftops heat up and add heat to the air). Green roofs absorb heat.
2. 21 Widmer Street – Cinema Tower
Located in Toronto’s vibrant Theatre District in King West neighbourhood, Cinema Tower has it’s own show-stopping features. Built by Daniels Corporation, this building has:
- A ride share program.
- Electric car parking.
- Responsible waste management systems so less ends up in landfill.
- Rainwater collection/harvesting.
- Energy efficient fixtures in every unit & low-flow toilets and faucets.
3. 1 Cole Street – One Cole Condos
One Cole condos are the first building in the revitalization plan for Regent Park neighbourhood, and are fittingly designed in an innovative way unlike buildings of the past. The development is also by Daniels Corp, and is LEED Gold Certified. It features:
- Over 21,000 square feet of outdoor amenity space with gardens.
- Gardening plots for residents.
- Energy efficient appliances, lighting & low-flow fixtures.
- Less glass (doesn’t wrap all the way around) to reduce heat.
- Efficient heating and cooling units.
4. 55 Front St East - The Berczy
The Berczy is in Toronto’s foodie haven, St Lawrence Market. The architecture fits in well with the area’s heritage buildings, with contemporary touches as well. It was built by Concert Properties and is LEED Gold Certified for its use of many environmentally conscious design choices inside and out. It has:
- Green roofs to absorb heat from the atmosphere.
- Energy efficient air systems and fixtures.
- Energy efficient mechanical systems.
- Reused building materials when possible.
5. 775 King St West – Minto 775
This building is an incredible example from the construction phase to ongoing green performance. This attractive 17 storey building has a fantastic location in King West neighbourhood. Developer Minto Group also used many innovative eco friendly details throughout the design of 775 King West. They include:
- Electric car charging stations
- Bicycle sharing program.
- Rain water harvesting for watering gardens.
- Dual flush toilets and efficient fixtures in each unit.
- HRV (heat recovery ventilators) in each unit.
- Three-chute recycling options on every floor.
- Diverting nearly 80% of building materials from landfill during construction.
- Environmentally friendly, low emitting building materials including low-toxicity paint.
- Green roof to decrease the “heat island effect” and increase biodiversity in this urban area.
WOW! These building practices should be used in every building, don't you think? They save money in the long run, add value to every resale unit, and of course protect the environment.
Want to know more about buildings that are eco friendly? Contact us to ask questions about any Toronto condo buildings you are considering.
See more about 5 Ways To Live Green in Condos.
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