1 Report to Rapport au: Environment Committee Comité

1
Report to
Rapport au:
Environment Committee
Comité de l’environnement
21 April 2015 / 21 avril 2015
Submitted on April 14, 2015
Soumis le 14 avril 2015
Submitted by
Soumis par:
John L. Moser, Acting Deputy City Manager, Planning and Infrastructure /
Directeur municipal adjoint par intérim, Urbanisme et Infrastructure
Contact Person
Personne ressource:
Wayne Newell, General Manager, Infrastructure Services Department / Directeur
général des Services d’infrastructure
613-580-2424 x16002, [email protected]
Report Author / Auteur du rapport
Marco Manconi, Manager, Design and Construction (Buildings and Parks) /
Gestionnnaire, Design et Construction (Immeubles et Parcs)
613-580-2424 x43229, [email protected]
Ward: CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA
VILLE
File Number: ACS2015-PAI-INF-0001
SUBJECT: Green Building Policy – 2014 Status Report
OBJET:
Politique sur les batîments écologiques – rapport de situation 2014
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That the Environment Committee receive this report for information.
RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité de l’environnement prenne connaissance du présent rapport.
2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Assumption and Analysis
The Green Building Policy requires an annual status update on City projects being
delivered in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEEDTM) program. In accordance with direction provided by Council on January 23,
2013, this update also provides additional information on the LEEDTM program and
consideration on striving for higher levels of certification.
Further to Committee and Council direction, staff undertook benchmarking research that
shows many Canadian municipalities as well as the private sector strive for LEED TM
certification, and many are striving for Gold ratings. It also underscored that the City is
an important player both in Ontario and Canada in terms of the number of buildings that
have obtained or are working towards certification.
Internal supports have been put in place to support the City’s continued pursuit of
LEEDTM certification. This includes the completion of Green Associate training, as well
as the streamlining of the internal administration process, whereby a centralized
resource provides better oversight and support for these projects.
There is an opportunity for the City to enhance its LEEDTM targets to maximize the
benefits gained from sustainable design and construction. The Green Building Policy
will be maintained and the City will target enhanced LEEDTM ratings of Gold where this
can be supported within the project scope and budget, and dependent on the facility
type, size, and project complexity.
The City has made progress since the last status update. Overall, the City has 20
LEEDTM certified buildings, of which four have achieved Gold, 10 Silver, and six
Certified. Since the last status update, certification was received for Trail Road Waste
Facility, François Dupuis Recreation Centre, Carlsbad Springs Community Centre, and
Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre. Looking forward, a number of high profile
projects in the City are targeting LEEDTM. Lansdowne is in the process of applying to
be the first LEEDTM neighbourhood in Ottawa, and will join the four neighbourhoods in
Ontario and 14 across Canada to hold this important designation. Bayview Innovation
Centre, Light Rail Transit Maintenance and Storage Facility, and the Ottawa Art Gallery
Expansion and Arts Court Redevelopment are also planning to pursue LEEDTM
certification.
3
Financial Implications
There are no financial implications associated with this update.
Public Consultation/Input
As this report is an update, a public consultation did not take place.
RÉSUMÉ
Hypothèse et analyse
La Politique sur les bâtiments écologiques exige la présentation d’un rapport d’étape
annuel sur les projets municipaux exécutés conformément au programme Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDMC). Selon les directives données par le
Conseil le 23 janvier 2013, ce rapport d’étape doit aussi fournir des renseignements
supplémentaires sur le programme LEEDMC et envisager les moyens possibles d’obtenir
un niveau supérieur de certification.
À la demande du Comité et du Conseil, le personnel a réalisé une analyse comparative
qui démontre que le secteur privé et de nombreuses municipalités canadiennes
souhaitent obtenir une certification LEEDMC. D’ailleurs, beaucoup visent le niveau or.
L’analyse a également révélé que la Ville se démarque, tant à l’échelle provinciale que
nationale, par le nombre de ses immeubles ayant obtenu ou en voie d’obtenir une
certification.
Des mesures internes ont été prises pour aider la Ville dans sa poursuite de certification
LEEDMC. Citons par exemple les formations d’Associé écologique et la simplification du
processus administratif interne, qui comprend à présent une ressource centrale
permettant d’assurer une meilleure supervision et un meilleur appui aux projets.
La Ville a la possibilité d’améliorer ses objectifs relatifs au programme LEEDMC pour
optimiser les bienfaits de la conception et de la construction respectueuses de
l’environnement. La Politique sur les bâtiments écologiques restera en vigueur, et la
Ville visera l’obtention d’une certification LEEDMC de niveau or, si la portée et le budget
du projet le permettent et selon le type et la taille de l’établissement ainsi que la
complexité du projet.
La Ville a fait des progrès depuis le dernier rapport d’étape. Au total, elle possède 20
immeubles certifiés LEEDMC, dont 4 de niveau or, 10 de niveau argent et 6 de base.
Depuis le dernier rapport, la décharge du chemin Trail, le Centre récréatif FrançoisDupuis, le Centre communautaire de Carlsbad Springs et le Centre communautaire de
4
Hunt Club-Riverside Park ont tous été certifiés. Plusieurs projets d’envergure visent à
présent la certification LEEDMC. Le quartier de Lansdowne a notamment entamé des
procédures pour devenir le premier quartier entièrement certifié d’Ottawa. Il s’ajouterait
aux quatre quartiers de l’Ontario et aux 14 quartiers du Canada à avoir obtenu cette
distinction. Le Centre d’innovation dans les cours Bayview, les installations d’entretien
et de remisage du train léger ainsi que le projet d’agrandissement de la Galerie d’art
d’Ottawa et de réaménagement de la Cour des arts sont également en voie d’obtenir
une certification LEEDMC.
Répercussions financières
Aucune répercussion financière n’est associée au présent rapport d’étape.
Consultation du public/commentaires
Puisqu’il s’agit d’un rapport d’étape, aucune consultation publique
BACKGROUND
The Green Building Policy for the Construction of Corporate Buildings, approved by
Council on September 28, 2005 and amended on September 26, 2007, requires an
annual status update on City of Ottawa capital building projects being designed and
delivered in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEEDTM) certification rating system.
On January 23, 2013 City Council carried motion no. 48/4 which stated “[t]hat Item 4 of
Environment Committee Report 20, entitled "Green Building Policy – 2012 Status
Report"...be referred back to staff to provide additional information regarding the LEED
program for consideration by the Environment Committee.”
On April 15, 2014 Environment Committee received a memo from Infrastructure
Services Department on the status of implementation of the Green Building Policy,
which noted that a report would be brought forward in 2015 to provide additional
information on the benefits of the LEEDTM program and consideration on striving for
higher levels of certification.
The current City of Ottawa Green Building Policy requires that all newly constructed
buildings with a footprint greater than 500 square metres (5,400 square feet) be
designed, delivered and certified by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) as
being LEEDTM "Certified" at minimum. The current City practice for retrofit and
renovation projects is to apply sustainable design principles where practical.
5
DISCUSSION
Sustainable Building
The City of Ottawa is demonstrating leadership in sustainable building. Sustainable
building practices show responsible management and good business sense – they
reduce the impact of construction and building operation on the environment and
resources, and reduce the cost of maintaining and operating a building over its life
cycle. The City uses the LEEDTM certification program to verify that municipal buildings
have achieved sustainability targets.
The LEEDTM Program
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) is an internationallyrecognized certification rating system that promotes sustainable building practices.
LEEDTM is administered by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) which is a
national, non-profit organization.
LEEDTM establishes prerequisites and credits within categories such as Water
Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources and Indoor Environmental
Quality. Project teams select the design approaches, materials, and technologies that
will meet the credits they are targeting. Project teams submit up to four documentation
packages to the CaGBC at different stages during design and construction; these go
through a rigorous review and audit process to ensure the building has met the
requirements of the credits. The number of credits a building earns determines its
LEEDTM certification level.
LEED™ certification independently verifies and formally recognizes that a building has
achieved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impacts, and in doing so
ensures a commitment to follow through on sustainability initiatives during design and
construction.
LEEDTM certified buildings realize many of the following benefits:

reduced greenhouse gas emissions;


reduced water consumption;
reduced material consumption during manufacturing, and transportation;


reduced waste generation during construction;
reduced life cycle costs;

utility cost savings; and
6

improved indoor environments due to thermal controls, reduced toxins/irritants,
daylighting and views to the outdoors.
Positive public perception of LEED™ buildings, increased real estate value, and tenant
attraction and retention can be added benefits.
Architecture and engineering professionals as well as the construction industry have
become more proficient with the LEEDTM process. Many of the design approaches,
materials, and technologies once intended for LEEDTM now simply represent sound
building design. LEEDTM continues to be an important driver in the building world which
pushes consultants and contractors to continuously improve design and construction
practices and holds them to account to maintain high standards for sustainability.
Benchmarking
Many Canadian provinces and cities have adopted LEEDTM. Ontario has over 840
LEEDTM-certified projects – more than double the amount of the next highest provinces
of Quebec, British Columbia, and then Alberta. There are 27 municipalities across
Canada with LEEDTM policies; the majority of these have either a Silver or Gold target.
The City is an important player in Ontario and Canada in terms of the number of
buildings that have obtained or are working towards LEEDTM certification.
Examples of other cities’ and public organizations’ sustainable building practices and
approaches to implementing LEEDTM include:

The City of Calgary requires that all new occupied buildings over 500m 2 meet or
exceed LEEDTM Gold (New Construction-NC rating), and that major renovations
meet either LEEDTM Certified (NC rating) or Silver (Commercial Interiors rating).
Sustainable building practices are followed for minor renovations, unoccupied or
specialized buildings, and facilities under 500m2. Calgary’s Sustainable Building
Policy takes a ‘Triple Bottom Line’ approach by considering social, economic and
environmental benefits to the City.

The City of Vancouver requires that all municipal new construction achieve
LEEDTM Gold and all major renovations achieve a 20% reduction in greenhouse
gases. Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 Action Plan aims to reduce energy use
and greenhouse gas emissions in existing buildings by 20% and requires all
buildings constructed from 2020 onward to be carbon neutral. This plan received
a Government Leadership Award for Best Green Building Policy during the UN
Climate Change Convention in 2013.
7

The City of Montreal requires that all municipal new construction must be
LEEDTM Gold certified and all major renovations of City buildings are carried out
according to LEEDTM Silver criteria.

The National Capital Commission requires LEEDTM Gold certification for all new
buildings over 250m2, LEEDTM certification for all major renovations, and uses
green building practices for buildings less than 250m2.

Public Works and Government Services Canada requires LEEDTM Gold
certification for new construction and build-to-lease projects, and LEEDTM Silver
certification for major renovations.
Private developers are also recognizing the merits of LEEDTM. In Ottawa 43% of
LEEDTM projects are commercial.
Cost Benefit Analysis
In response to Council’s motion, the City undertook an analysis of the costs and
benefits of LEEDTM certification. The analysis demonstrated there are positive financial,
social, and environmental benefits to obtaining LEED™ certification.
LEEDTM costs represent a small percentage of the value of a building project.
According to the Canada Green Building Council, the cost of green construction is
generally around 4% of the project value; however, the City’s projects are tracking to
around 2%.
Table 1 - Costs to achieve LEED certification
Facility
Costs to achieve LEEDTM Certification as a % of
Construction Value
Consulting
Fees
CaGBC
LEEDTM
Fees
Total Soft
Costs
Total Hard
(Capital)
Costs
Total
Cost to
Achieve
LEEDTM
Ottawa Paramedic
Service Headquarters
0.25%
0.05%
0.3%
1%
1.3%
Shenkman Arts
Centre
0.29%
0.06%
0.35%
1.5%
1.9%
Francois Dupuis
0.23%
0.03%
0.26%
1%
1.3%
8
Recreation Centre
The City of Calgary commissioned a study in 2013 which determined that the
incremental capital costs to achieve LEEDTM Gold certification (over and above LEEDTM
Silver) are largely outweighed by the combined financial, social, and environmental
benefits of the investment. Nationally, 45% of LEEDTM projects have achieved Gold or
Platinum.
Policy Direction
There is an opportunity for the City to enhance its LEEDTM targets to maximize the
benefits gained from sustainable design and construction. The Green Building Policy
will be maintained and staff will target an enhanced LEEDTM rating of Gold where this
can be supported within the project scope and budget, and dependent upon the facility
type, size, and the project’s complexity. This will maximize benefits while recognizing
the inherent economy of scale for LEEDTM, and taking into consideration that certain
facility types have specialized design and operational requirements which may make it
challenging to target higher ratings.
Active Pursuit of LEEDTM Certification
In November 2012, Design and Construction, Buildings and Parks staff completed
LEEDTM Green Associate training. The City has developed a more collaborative
working relationship with the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) and is in contact
regularly to discuss the status of projects, confirm submission review timelines, and
share information.
The CaGBC has streamlined its process, and introduced new measures to accelerate
certification in July 2014. Improved timeframes for submissions, project status
notifications to project teams, and disincentive fees for late submissions will better guide
consultants who coordinate the certification process.
The City has centralized and streamlined its administration of the LEEDTM certification
process through a staff resource that provides greater oversight to consultants, liaises
with project teams and the CaGBC, expedites information from the City, monitors
projects for certification risks, and prepares regular updates for branch and
departmental management. Projects undergoing certification have demonstrated
progress and submission turnaround times have improved.
Update on City of Ottawa LEEDTM Buildings
9
The City has 20 LEEDTM certified buildings, of which four have achieved Gold, 10 have
achieved Silver and six have achieved Certified ratings.
Since the last Status Update, certification was received for Trail Road Waste Facility,
François Dupuis Recreation Centre, Carlsbad Springs Community Centre, and Hunt
Club-Riverside Park Community Centre.
Table 2 - Projects that have achieved LEED certification
Project
Size
(square
feet)
Project
Value
Construction LEEDTM
Completion
Rating
Trail Road Waste Facility
35,000
$13.1 M
Jun. 2013
Silver
François Dupuis Recreation Centre
(East District Pool)
38,000
$14 M
Feb. 2013
Silver
Conroy Public Works Yard
18,700
$9.5 M
Sep. 2012
Silver
Goulbourn Recreation Complex
Arena Expansion
35,000
$9 M
Mar. 2012
Silver
Barrhaven Fire Station No. 47
12,250
$4.4 M
Dec. 2011
Silver
Kanata Recreation Complex
Expansion (LEEDTM Commercial
Interiors)
14,000
$1.9 M
Sep. 2011
Silver
Kanata West Fire Station No. 46
12,250
$4.4 M
Jun. 2011
Silver
Overbrook Community Centre
Expansion
10,000
$3.1 M
Mar. 2011
Gold
Centrepointe Theatre Expansion
25,600
$9.3 M
Mar. 2011
Silver
James Bartleman Archives and
Library Materials Centre
92,000
$27 M
Mar. 2011
Gold
Carlsbad Springs Community Centre
6,500
$2.5 M
Dec. 2010
Certified
Huron Early Learning Centre
5,500
$2.97 M
Sep. 2010
Silver
Ottawa Central Ambulance
Communications Centre
25,000
$6.7 M
Jun. 2010
Certified
Hunt Club-Riverside Park
6,000
$ 3.7 M
Mar. 2010
Certified
10
Size
(square
feet)
Project
Value
Construction LEEDTM
Completion
Rating
OC Transpo Interior Fit-Up (LEEDTM
Commercial Interiors)
18,000
$2.3 M
Aug. 2009
CI Gold
Shenkman Arts Centre
78,000
$33 M
Jun. 2009
Silver
Goulbourn Recreation Complex
Expansion
22,000
$5 M
Nov. 2008
Certified
Rideau Valley Conservation
Authority Headquarters
22,000
$5.6 M
Oct. 2007
Gold
Vars Fire Station No.73
8,800
$2.4 M
Mar. 2007
Certified
Ottawa Paramedic Service
Headquarters
100,000
$18.9 M
Mar. 2006
Certified
Project
Community Centre
The City has eight buildings currently undergoing the LEEDTM certification process.
Infrastructure Services Department has made significant progress in advancing the
certification of projects, and continues to work closely with consultants and the CaGBC
to move submissions successfully through the process. It anticipates certification will be
received for these buildings between 2015 and 2016.
Table 3 - Projects undergoing LEED certification
Project
Size
(square
feet)
Project
Value
Construction
Completion
LEEDTM
Target
Minto Recreation Complex –
Barrhaven
163,000
$54 M
Nov. 2014
Silver
Richcraft Sensplex
94,740
$26 M
Aug. 2014
Certified
Beaverbrook Branch of the Ottawa
Public Library
23,896
$8.8 M
Aug. 2014
Silver
Richcraft Recreation Complex –
105,000
$40 M
Aug. 2013
Gold
(Ottawa East)
11
Size
(square
feet)
Project
Value
Construction
Completion
LEEDTM
Target
Greenboro Community Centre
Expansion
10,000
$3.1 M
Mar. 2011
Silver
OC Transpo Articulated Bus Garage
162,000
$58 M
Sep. 2010
Silver
OC Transpo Dispatch Building
10,000
$4.5 M
May 2010
Silver
Albion-Heatherington Community
Centre
7,000
$1.5 M
Dec. 2008
Silver
Project
Kanata
The City is continuing its commitment to sustainable building practices, and has three
projects that are under development which plan to target LEEDTM certification:

François Dupuis Recreation Centre Expansion


Trim Road Works Yard
Bloomfield Works Yard
Lansdowne – a LEEDTM Neighbourhood
The Lansdowne Redevelopment Project is in the process of applying for LEED TM
Neighbourhood Development (LEEDTM–ND) site plan certification. The Neighbourhood
Development rating system focuses on smart growth and green building to drive the
creation of vibrant, sustainable communities. Lansdowne will be the first LEEDTM
neighbourhood in Ottawa, and will join the four neighbourhoods in Ontario and the 14
across Canada to hold this important designation.
Lansdowne showcases the following sustainable community features:

Efficient land use of a previously-developed infill site;

A complete, mixed-use community with amenities and park space;

Alternate and active transportation with shuttle service for events, and
well-connected bicycle paths and parking;

Integration with the existing community, through input from neighbours and
stakeholders, and improving connections to the surrounding streets;
12

Sustainable design and construction – all new buildings were designed to be
energy efficient, and over 20% of the building square footage is pursuing LEEDTM
certification;

Preserving cultural heritage assets including sight lines to historic buildings, and
working with the Algonquins of Ontario to reflect their culture and history in the
landscape.
Innovation Centre at the Bayview Yards
The Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards is planned to open in 2016. The renovation to
the existing industrial building will create a business, non-profit, and entrepreneurial hub
that includes office space and amenities, as well as a digital media/animation lab and a
makerspace. The project is targeting LEEDTM and the Request for Proposals
encourages the successful Design-Build contractor to pursue Silver certification.
Innovation Centre is targeting the following sustainability features:


optimized energy performance;
water use reduction targeting 30%;


construction waste management targeting 85% diversion from landfill;
durable building;


enhanced commissioning; and
certified wood products.
Light Rail Transit Maintenance and Storage Facility
The Maintenance and Storage Facility for Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit project is set to
open officially in 2018. The new facility will house light rail administration and vehicle
maintenance functions, and will pursue a LEEDTM Certified rating.
The Facility is targeting the following sustainability features:

brownfield redevelopment;

regional materials;


recycled content in materials;
construction waste management targeting 75% diversion from landfill;

indoor air quality management during construction and before occupancy;

energy efficiency;


water efficient landscaping;
water use reduction targeting 40%;
13

heat island effect reduction for the roof;

low-emitting materials including adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings; and

bicycle storage and changing rooms.
Ottawa Art Gallery Expansion and Arts Court Redevelopment
The Ottawa Art Gallery Expansion and Arts Court Redevelopment project is scheduled
for completion in late 2017. The public component of the project will create an
integrated and dynamic arts centre with a new, museum-standard Ottawa Art Gallery
and renovated public programming spaces within the existing, historic Arts Court
building. The private sector component includes a boutique hotel, condominiums, and
underground parking.
The public component of the project will be designed, constructed and certified to a
LEED Silver target. The private sector component is encouraged to match the LEED
Silver design, and to incorporate sustainability features.
The public component of the project is targeting the following sustainability features:


water use reduction targeting a minimum of 30%;
optimized energy performance;

enhanced building and systems commissioning;

construction waste management targeting a minimum of 85% diversion from
landfill; and
certified wood products.

RURAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no rural implications associated with this update.
CONSULTATION
As this report is an update, a public consultation did not take place.
COMMENTS BY THE WARD COUNCILLORS
This is a city-wide issue - not applicable.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no legal impediments to the receipt of the report for information.
14
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no risk implications associated with this update.
ASSET MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Comprehensive Asset Management (CAM) is an integrated business approach
involving planning, finance, engineering, maintenance and operations geared towards
effectively managing existing and new infrastructure to maximize benefits, reduce risk
and provide safe and reliable levels of service to community users. This is
accomplished in a socially, culturally, environmentally and economically conscious
manner.
The information provided in this report is demonstrative of the department’s continuing
delivery of the City’s Comprehensive Asset Management Program objectives. The
approach used and outcomes align with the CAM Policy’s decision making guiding
principles (Customer Focused; Forward looking; Service Focused; Risk-based;
Value-Based / Affordable; Innovative) and its supporting strategies endorsed by senior
management.
The Green Building Policy, in accordance with the LEEDTM program, is consistent with
the Asset Management principles and practices, and promotes environmental and fiscal
sustainability.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no direct financial implications.
ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS
There are no accessibility impacts associated with this update.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
As outlined in the background section of the report, constructing LEEDTM certified
buildings benefits the City, society and the environment through reduced electricity,
natural gas, and potable water consumption; reduced green house gas emissions;
increased recycling and reduced waste during construction; and healthier, more
productive work environments for building occupants and users.
TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This report aligns with the following object of the Term of Council priorities:
15
Objective GP3 – Make sustainable choices: Promote a sustainable, resilient and
liveable future by applying a sustainability lens to decision-making that considers
long-term impacts, and by aligning all City plans toward common long-term goals. In
some cases the City will rethink current practices; in others, it will build on existing or
past successes. In all cases, the city will make decisions and solve problems in a way
that improves economic health, cultural vitality, social equity and environmental
responsibility.
DISPOSITION
Infrastructure Services Department will continue to deliver construction projects in
accordance with the Green Building Policy.