TRCA Office Building

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Headquarters (TRCA)

This project is part of a group of 16 chosen to participate in a two-year pilot of “CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Standard” which will help to further refine the standard, plus accompanying resources and education. TRCA’s new headquarters will be utilized as a learning centre – a living laboratory for developers, researchers, professionals and students that will contribute to the uptake of improved methods and technologies that demonstrate zero carbon features and green infrastructure restoration. The concept design incorporates strategies and technology for renewable energy, innovative wastewater management and integration with the ravine landscape.

Bucholz McEvoy Architects in joint venture with ZAS Architects have completed the concept design phase for the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) new carbon neutral administrative headquarters. An 80,000 square foot, mass timber structure designed to target LEED Platinum and WELL Silver standard, Tier 2 TGS, and achieve zero carbon. This project makes a conscious effort to achieve a smaller footprint through all lifecycle phases, with model simulations predicting over 50% reduction in operating emissions, and over 75% reduction in embodied carbon compared to the average Toronto’s buildings. This new facility will reduce operating costs, while helping TRCA deliver the best possible customer service and support and will serve as an example of best practices in green building.

TRCA is one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities that deliver a local resource management program at the watershed scale to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land and natural habitats. TRCA is also a host organization for the World Green Building Council (WGBC), a network of national green building councils in more than one hundred countries, with a mission to strengthen global green building knowledge.

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