Regulations

Complex alternative to carbon tax questioned

Commercial and multi-residential real estate owners will catch a significant share of the fallout from Ontario's pending cap-and-trade system, but a projected natural gas price increase in the range of $0.84 to $1.05 per gigajoule is lower than carbon tax rates in British Columbia or Alberta.

Alberta carbon fees to fund energy efficiency

As outlined in the 2016 Alberta budget, carbon fees will show up differently in the key utilities of electricity and natural gas, creating a blend of transparent and more nebulous new costs.
NexRev

$2-billion GHG abatement fund set for 2017-18

The commercial real estate sector is primarily an indirect beneficiary of allocations in the 2016-17 federal budget, but the announcement of a pending $2-billion fund to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could hold more promise.
excess soil

The dirt on excess soil

MOECC's excess soil management policy framework, now up for review, seeks to better align the reuse of excess soil with existing waste regulations.
infrastructure

Student proposals tackle infrastructure needs

Planning students competing in the Cities of Tomorrow Showcase and Student Ideas Competition, proposed solutions to municipal issues such as infrastructure.
wood-frame development

T.O.’s debut six-storey wood-frame development

Heartwood the Beach Condos, due to enter construction this spring, is likely to become Toronto’s debut six-storey wood-frame development.
Waste-Free Ontario Act

Designing for better waste management

A building's design influences the operational efficiency waste collection programs, the cost of servicing the programs and diversion rates.
Class A apartments

Ont private sector readies for energy reporting

Proposed amendments to Ontario's Green Energy Act signal the government's intention to mandate reporting of energy and water consumption in privately owned buildings.
U.S. Clean Power Plan

Canadian opportunities in U.S. Clean Power Plan

Canada's renewable energy and clean technology sectors could figure prominently and profitably in American states' efforts to comply with the recently introduced U.S. Clean Power Plan.
investable cities

Pension funds drawn to investable cities

Despite an abundance of investment funds spending across the globe, Canadian infrastructure continues to face a crisis.
Climate adaptation

Climate adaptation priority in trilateral efforts

North America leaders endorsed a new five-year CEC plan for better environmental management decisions. Climate change adaptation is one focus area.
FireSmart

FireSmart land use planning supports safety

Prolonged, mass evacuations and the spectre of approaching flames reinforce the importance of emergency preparedness and embedding risk management in land use planning.
severe weather risks

Resilient energy plans for severe weather risks

The Resilient Pipes and Wires Report argues that investment in climate change adaptation is imperative for safety, security and business continuity, and to avoid the staggering losses that can result from lack of preparedness.
climate change

Summit emboldens climate change fight

Subnational jurisdictions from across the Western Hemisphere gathered at Toronto’s Royal York Hotel for The Climate Summit of the Americas.
infrastructure

Infrastructure grapples with climate change

Sustainable leaders in the industry are encouraging municipalities and building owners to grapple with climate change and protect the value of assets.
ACP LEED

Toronto puts energy reporting proposal on pause

An energy reporting requirement for large buildings is likely coming to Toronto. The only question is: Will it come from the city or from the province?
Ecofiscal Commission

Competing in a cap-and-trade environment

How will Ontario's new cap-and-trade system affect businesses in the coming years? A panel of market insiders gathered to discuss the possibilities.