GDS Approaches
TIERED
A Tiered approach to a Green Development Standard, establishes different levels of performance, with progressively stricter requirements at each Tier, allowing developers to choose a level of performance that suits them.
Mandatory
With this approach the first Tier of performance would be legally mandated, while subsequent higher Tiers would be Voluntary, often with financial incentives to encourage these high performance, low emission projects.
See: Toronto, Ottawa, Burlington, Whitby, Pickering, Ajax
Phased In
With this approach higher tiers are initially Voluntary, but will become mandatory as each subsequent tier is “phased in” over time.
See: Mississauga
Swappable
With this approach the applicant must meet all of the tier 1 targets OR two of the tier 2 targets OR one of the tier 3 targets. With each tier having higher performance targets.
See: Aurora, East Gwillimbury
MENU
Categorized Version:
A Menu approach creates a selection (or menu) of metrics that are worth a set amount of points. The developer must then reach a minimum score to qualify for the project
See: Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Township of King
This approach breaks the green development standards down into separate categories (i.e. water, energy, nature) and the applicant must meet the specified point threshold within each category.
See: Halton Hills
CHECKLIST
This approach ensures minimum performance measures for buildings/developments by providing a list of minimum design requirements, all of which must be met.
See: Guelph, Caledon