It’s time to learn more about Toronto’s Green Roof Bylaw if you’re considering a roof replacement or upgrade for your commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-tenant residential complex. Some benefits to landlords are clear, such as energy efficiency, but what is the big picture? Here’s an overview of the Bylaws and what they mean for building owners.
The background and purpose of the Toronto Green Roof Bylaw
Toronto became the first city in North America to adopt a bylaw to require and govern the construction of eco-friendly roofs. By encouraging the private sector to install green roofs, the Bylaw’s primary objectives are to address sustainability, economic benefits, stormwater management, and lowering energy use for cooling.
Approved in 2009, the Bylaw, was designed in tandem with Green Roof Construction Standard, which provides minimum design and engineering requirements that meet the city’s objectives and Ontario Building Code requirements. The Bylaw took effect in 2010 for most building types and in 2012 for new industrial development. The Bylaw’s Supplemental Guidelines cover areas including structural considerations, occupancy/safety, waterproofing and vegetative performance.
The Bylaw took effect in 2010 for most building types and in 2012 for new industrial development. An essential part of the program is the Eco-Roof Incentive Program, established during the Bylaw’s pilot program in 2006.
The larger goal is to increase the sustainability of Toronto’s building stock to better adapt to climate change. Other goals and varying incentives can direct landlords on which type of eco-friendly roof to install–a green roof or a cool roof.
The Green Roof Bylaw applies to green roofs and cool roofs
A green roof, or living roof, partially or completely covers the roof with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. Additional layers may include a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. Special materials are available for most roof assemblies, including built up roofing (BUR), metal roofs and concrete surfaces.
Cool roofs for low-slope roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof using reflective coatings or cool roof building materials. Cool roof material options are often preferred based on their effectiveness, lower costs and options for types of common roof assemblies.
While green roofs and cool roofs are distinct from each other, their common benefits include reducing cooling energy demand, reducing urban heat islands, decreasing roof temperature, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Each has their distinct advantages, as well.
Benefits of cool roofs versus green roofs
While the Eco-Roof Incentive Program offers financial incentives for both green and cool roofs and each is environmentally friendly, cool roofs are far more common. They meet the primary objectives of complying with regulations, reducing indoor temperatures and lowering cooling costs. Additionally, cool roofs are far less costly and simpler to install and maintain. This makes them the winner when budget and maintenance concerns are the most prominent decision-making factors.
While sharing many benefits with cool roofs, green roofs particularly stand out in the areas of stormwater management, protecting the roof membrane from the temperatures and UV rays, insulating buildings against noise pollution and providing a natural area for social interaction and relaxation.
Structures eligible for Toronto Green Roof Bylaw incentives
The bylaw applies primarily to commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. The typical usage is for existing buildings. The Green Roof Bylaw “sets out a graduated green roof requirement for new developments that are greater than 2,000 m² in gross floor area. The requirement ranges from 20-60% of the available roof space of a building.”
While Green roofs are more expensive to install, the financial incentives are greater.
These funds may be available to developers:
Green Roof Incentives (up to $100,000)
- $100 / m2 installed
- up to $1,000.00 for a structural assessment
Cool Roof Incentives (up to $50,000)
- $5 / m2 for a cool roof with a new membrane
- $2 / m2 for a cool roof coating over an existing roof
Additional decision-making factors
Deciding which type of roof to install, and when, depends on your situation. The first consideration is whether it is the right time to modify, upgrade, or replace your commercial or industrial roof. Consultation with a roofing contractor and other building professionals will help you determine if an eco-friendly roof is a viable option, meets the program’s requirements, and is financially beneficial given the relative costs and benefits compared to other roofing systems.
Some details to consider will include the age of the roof, its expected useful life, the size and characteristics of the existing roof, the condition of the roof, financial considerations and more.
Find out more: Is Cool Roofing the Right Choice for Toronto Commercial Property Owners?
Call the Toronto roofing experts
If it’s time to consider an eco-friendly commercial, industrial, or institutional roof, get the Elite Advantage. We’re seeing more buildings with green and cool roofs, but it may or may not be the best solution for your property. The Eco-Roof Incentive Program may tip the scale in either direction. The roofing experts at Elite Roofing can help you weigh the pros and cons of various roofing options.
When you decide to move forward, with a cool roof or other type of membrane, we’ll be your partner to ensure your roof is impeccably installed, maintained and repaired as needed Contact us today to find out about Elite Roofing’s cool roofing services.
