Green Building Standards

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UPDATE: Implementation Plan to Come

On April 29, 2025, Planning Committee endorsed the updated Green Building Standards. On April 30, 2025, General Issues Committee deferred the implementation plan back to staff in order to complete a costing exercise. As a result, both reports will be returning to Council in late 2025 along with a costing study.

The Green Building Standards will not take effect until after the Implementation Plan has been approved.

UPDATE: Council Endorsed Green Building Standards

On October 9, 2024, Council endorsed the Green Building Standards. The Green Building Standards (GBS) will apply to all site plan and plan of subdivision applications for low density residential (more than 10 units), mid rise residential, high rise residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional development within the City’s Urban Area. Staff are continuing to work with the Climate Change Advisory Committee and community partners to refine the Standards. A final version of the GBS, along with an Implementation Plan will be brought forward in 2025.

The City of Hamilton’s Green Building Standard

To meet the City’s climate change and sustainability objectives, including a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, city-wide Green Building Standards are being developed. Green Building Standards are used across Canada as a guide for professionals and include directions on meeting high standards in sustainability for new buildings in the City’s Urban Area. The Green Building Standard can aid in evaluating applications for new development through the lens of sustainability, energy and climate resilience.

The City is in the process of refining technical elements of the Green Building Standard. Additional work is required to finalize and better understand how the Green Building Standard can be effectively implemented by the City and by those submitting development applications in the City.

What are Green Building Standards?

Green building standards are a tool used by municipalities to guide new development in a manner that considers the principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. They are often voluntary and mandatory measures for new development (typically excluding renovations and retrofits). Some features of a Green Building Standard include energy efficiency, bird friendly design, green spaces, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, parking spaces for bicycles, and requirements for the planting of native species.

UPDATE: Implementation Plan to Come

On April 29, 2025, Planning Committee endorsed the updated Green Building Standards. On April 30, 2025, General Issues Committee deferred the implementation plan back to staff in order to complete a costing exercise. As a result, both reports will be returning to Council in late 2025 along with a costing study.

The Green Building Standards will not take effect until after the Implementation Plan has been approved.

UPDATE: Council Endorsed Green Building Standards

On October 9, 2024, Council endorsed the Green Building Standards. The Green Building Standards (GBS) will apply to all site plan and plan of subdivision applications for low density residential (more than 10 units), mid rise residential, high rise residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional development within the City’s Urban Area. Staff are continuing to work with the Climate Change Advisory Committee and community partners to refine the Standards. A final version of the GBS, along with an Implementation Plan will be brought forward in 2025.

The City of Hamilton’s Green Building Standard

To meet the City’s climate change and sustainability objectives, including a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, city-wide Green Building Standards are being developed. Green Building Standards are used across Canada as a guide for professionals and include directions on meeting high standards in sustainability for new buildings in the City’s Urban Area. The Green Building Standard can aid in evaluating applications for new development through the lens of sustainability, energy and climate resilience.

The City is in the process of refining technical elements of the Green Building Standard. Additional work is required to finalize and better understand how the Green Building Standard can be effectively implemented by the City and by those submitting development applications in the City.

What are Green Building Standards?

Green building standards are a tool used by municipalities to guide new development in a manner that considers the principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. They are often voluntary and mandatory measures for new development (typically excluding renovations and retrofits). Some features of a Green Building Standard include energy efficiency, bird friendly design, green spaces, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, parking spaces for bicycles, and requirements for the planting of native species.

Page last updated: 09 Jun 2025, 12:03 PM