Net Zero Buildings Update

I am proud that Toronto continues to be a leader in setting bold, achievable climate goals through the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. At our October meeting, City Council received an important update on a key element of this plan – the Net Zero Buildings Strategy. 

In the City of Toronto, existing buildings are the single largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 58% of our total community-wide emissions. Last term, City Council adopted the Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy with a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 – a target that was later accelerated to reaching net zero emissions by 2040. 

The message from City staff is clear: Toronto needs to cut its emissions from buildings nearly in half by 2030 if we are going to meet our 2040 target. According to the staff report, the City will need to focus on mandatory emissions performance standards to meet this accelerated timeline. 

The next update is not far off – a report from the Environment and Climate Division on an emissions performance reporting by-law is headed for City Council this year. The initial by-law will cover commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings greater than 600 square metres, requiring them to report emissions, energy, and water data to the City. Mandatory emissions performance reporting will allow City Staff to collect the data necessary to establish emissions performance standards, which are key to meeting our net zero target.