Retrofits bring 1960 structure to modern sustainable standards
GTA Construction Report staff writer
The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited says its Toronto-Dominion Bank Tower at 66 Wellington St.W. In Toronto has achieved LEED Gold Certification under the Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance program presented by the Canada Green Building Council.
The TD Bank tower joins other sustainable buildings at the Toronto-Dominion Centre (TD Centre) complex, including LEED Gold certified buildings 77 King St. W. and 79 Wellington St W. and LEED Platinum certified 100 Wellington St. W., the company said in a news release.
“We are proud to add this certification to a growing list of accomplishments resulting from our unwavering commitment to green initiatives,” said TD Centre general manager David Hoffman. “Cadillac Fairview is committed to leading the industry in environmental sustainability standards. For its part, TD Centre continues to exceed environmental and operational objectives that benefit our clients, our community and ultimately, our planet.”
Earlier this year, the TD Centre was awarded the Green Award of the Year at the 12th Annual Real Estate Excellence (REX) Awards Gala for its sustainability efforts, marking the first time the award has been given to an existing building. The Green Award initiative is dedicated to practices that exemplify excellence in environmental stewardship, while committing to an interconnected approach to sustainability and leadership. Winning this award proved that Cadillac Fairview’s decision to preserve and green the iconic complex, designed in 1960 by Mies van der Rohe, was the right thing to do.
To achieve the LEED Gold certification, TD Centre had to meet strict, measurable benchmarks and earn credits in five categories – Sustainable sites, Water efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality.
Sustainable sites: TD Centre is in close proximity to the King St. streetcar line and St. Andrew and Union Subway Stations, enabling more than 75 per cent of the building occupants to arrive at the building by public transit. TD Centre has also partnered with Zipcar to encourage green transportation, in addition to providing public bike racks for more than 400 bicycles.
Water efficiency: Cadillac Fairview’s ongoing effort to reduce potable water consumption has led to an extensive washroom upgrade program including the replacement of faucets, toilets, and urinals with new high-performance fixtures. The $250,000 in upgrades will reduce water use by as much as 30 per cent.
Energy and atmosphere: The TD Centre has continuously reduced its overall energy use since 2008 by installing automatic lighting controls, state-of-the-art building automation controls, real-time energy monitoring and lighting retrofits.
Materials and resources: In addition to following a range of sustainable purchasing policies, the complex enforces strict waste diversion and sorting plans. At least 75 per cent of the general waste produced at the building is diverted from landfills, and at least 70 per cent of construction waste must also be diverted.
Indoor Environmental Quality: Smoking is prohibited within 25 ft of any building entrance or air intake. Green cleaning policies mandate the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and supplies. The building undergoes an annual air quality assessment and immediate action is taken on any potential sources of contaminants. Construction areas are isolated from the rest of the building and the space is flushed out with fresh air before it is re-occupied.
