Green Building Standards

Introducing 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.

Commitment to Public Engagement

Throughout this project, staff are committed to getting your feedback on the implementation of Green Building Standards.

We promise to:

• Keep you informed.
• Listen to and acknowledge your concerns or hopes for the project.
• Provide feedback to you on how the input received was used to inform the project.