I am an architect with over…

I am an architect with over 20 years of experience. I have seen first-hand the higher quality, lower utility, operating and maintenance costs associated with energy efficient and well-built buildings.
The materials, systems, assemblies and equipment required to meet green standards are available and on budget. Having Green Development Standards sets clear directions for buildings and the whole construction industry. Municipalities are using GDS to make sure future owners of these buildings are able to affordably operate them. A well-designed building can cost the same as a "green" building to build.
This bill would negatively impact municipalities' ability to implement GDS and will increase approval times and red tape and planning processes would no longer be standardized, as GDS consolidate pre-existing planning requirements into a single document with clear expectations.

Based on the Ontario municipalities benchmarked by the Canadian Home Builder's Association (CHBA), all of the cities with a GDS have made progress in speeding up approval timelines, while cities without have seen timelines grow.

This proposed regulation must be in compliance with other powers and authorities having jurisdiction to avoid confusion and delays for construction.

The municipalities have responsibilities outlined in the Planning Act and the Provincial Planning Statement to protect public health and safety, economic strength of cities and province, minimize waste and promotion of resilient and durable development. GDS ensure good indoor air quality, ensure building perform as designed for heating & cooling, minimize utility use to cut peak loads, reduce obsolescence of buildings, ensure lasting affordability, reduce green house gas emissions and carbon emissions.

Please allow municipalities to continue to shape their sustainable futures. Please allow them to request studies to ensure that builders are following their green building rules.

Thank you.