The
City of Toronto is now accepting applications for its Eco-Roof Incentive
Program, an initiative designed to promote the use of green and cool roofs on
Toronto’s industrial, commercial and institutional buildings, and to help Toronto’s
business community take action on climate change.
Eligible
projects include:
- Any green or cool roof on an existing industrial, commercial
or institutional building.
- Any above grade green roof on a new industrial building with
a gross floor area (GFA) of 10,000 m2 (107,600 sq ft) or
greater.
- Any green roof on a new institutional or commercial building
with a GFA of less than 2,000 m2 (21,528 sq ft).
Projects must be above grade; parking garages and
at-grade roofs are ineligible.
Owners who install a green roof, which supports vegetation, can apply for a grant of $50 per square metre
up to $100,000. Cool roofs, which feature a membrane or coating to reflect the
sun’s rays, are eligible for $2-5 per square metre up to $50,000.
The
benefits of green and cool roofs are many.
Both reduce urban heat and associated energy
use. Green roofs also help manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity, improve air
quality and beautify Toronto.
Applications will be accepted online
until April 1, 2010. A second round of
funding will be available in the fall.
For more information, visit toronto.ca/livegreen/ecoroofs.
