Report to: General Committee                                                          Report Date: May 5, 2008

 

 

SUBJECT:                          LEED Canada Complete Initiative Pilot Project

PREPARED BY:               M. Urquhart, Manager, Environmental Leadership

                                           

RECOMMENDATION:

That Markham Staff Report, LEED Canada Complete Initiative Pilot Project, dated May 5, 2008, be received;

 

And That the Town of Markham participate in the LEED Complete Canada Initiative pilot project for administration buildings for the municipal offices at 101 Town Centre Boulevard;

 

And That the $3,125 participation fee be funded from Asset Management account # 750-751-5399;

 

And That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary agreement to the satisfaction of the Town Solicitor;

 

And That should future opportunities arise for participating in similar pilot projects respecting building performance and sustainability, the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services and the Clerk be authorized to execute similar agreements to a maximum fee of $10,000.

 

PURPOSE:

To authorize the Town’s participation in the Canada Green Building Council’s “LEED Canada Complete Initiative” administration building pilot project.

 

BACKGROUND:

Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is the license-holder for LEED Canada. They are looking to expanding LEED Canada to address existing buildings, as well as new ones through the “LEED Canada Complete Initiative”. The Town has adopted an internal LEED policy that all new buildings/additions achieve LEED Silver as a minimum design standard. In keeping with that standard, this LEED pilot for existing buildings will help promote sustainability within our corporate operations and set an example for the community. Sustainable buildings are more efficient than conventional ones in the use of key resources such as energy, water and building materials. They have an added benefit of creating a healthier indoor work environment, as well as integrating better into the surrounding environment and community.  This program is intended to:

·        make the LEED rating system available on line to every building owner in Canada

·        provide online access to benchmarking, performance standards, best practices

·        provide tools to assess and approve the energy/environmental performance of buildings

 

To make this a national initiative, the CaGBC is inviting governments and utility companies across Canada to participate in this project for administration buildings.  The Town of Markham Civic Centre would qualify. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and its Centre for Sustainable Community Development have also given support to the LEED Complete Initiative and is encouraging its members to participate. The Town is required to enter into an agreement setting out the Town’s and CaGBC’s responsibilities (See Appendix 1).

 

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Staff from Asset Management, Strategic Services and the Markham Energy Office have met to discuss this program and are recommending that the Town of Markham participate in the LEED Complete Canada Initiative pilot project for the Civic Centre.  Town staff will register the pilot project (Civic Centre) and provide utility information on the building. If identified as one of 3 most efficient buildings in the pilot, a building performance assessment will be undertaken at the Civic Centre, without cost. The Town would participate in this project which includes teleconferences and information sharing with the other municipalities from across Canada on LEED program and workshops for creating a LEED Action plan. There are currently 25 participants in the program. Benefits will include:

·        a strategy for developing sustainable buildings

·        demonstrate the Town’s commitment to sustainability

·        put the Town in an advantageous position to seek funding from external agencies

·        information sharing/learning about LEED program and efficient buildings

 

Markham Conservation Energy Office will supply initial data and the project will be managed through the Asset Management department. The Town will be required to execute an agreement with CaGBC. A draft agreement is attached. If participation in the program is approved, it will be amended as necessary and executed.

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)

There is a fee of $3,125 payable to the CaGBC, required to participate in the LEED Canada Complete Initiative pilot. Funds are available in Account Number 750-751-5399 for this expenditure.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

This program will assist in advancing the Town staff’s knowledge and resources related to the LEED program which can result in more sustainable building operations.

 

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

 

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

Participation in the pilot project aligns with the Town’s environmental objectives  

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED

Markham Conservation Energy Office

Asset Management

 

RECOMMENDED BY:

                                     

 

________________________                                                ________________________

Peter Loukes                                                                            Allan Seabrooke

Commission Lead                                                                     Commission Lead Community and Fire Services                                                                                   Community and Fire Services

                                                                                                 

Appendix 1 – Proposed Agreement with the Town