Toronto Eco-Roof Incentive Program
Toronto, ON, Canada
Boost Toronto's climate resilience by funding green and cool roof installations
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Grant and Funding
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- City of Toronto
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The Eco-Roof Incentive Program in Toronto provides funding to support the installation of green roofs and cool roofs on residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. The program offers up to $100,000 for green roofs and up to $50,000 for cool roofs, with the aim to enhance the city’s climate resiliency, reduce energy use, and manage stormwater. Eligible projects must meet specific design and construction standards, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis before any work commences.
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Eligible projects for the Eco-Roof Incentive Program include several activities aimed at installing green roofs and cool roofs on various building types.
- Installation of green roofs on existing and new residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings
- Structural assessments for green roof installations on existing buildings
- Application of a cool roof coating over an existing roof
- Installation of a new cool roof membrane on low-rise residential buildings
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The Eco-Roof Incentive Program offers incentives for green roofs and cool roofs in Toronto, with specific eligibility criteria for each type.
- Existing residential, industrial, commercial & institutional buildings are eligible.
- New residential, industrial, commercial & institutional buildings with a gross floor area of less than 2,000 m² qualify.
- All new construction projects by Toronto School Boards and not-for-profit organizations are eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Eco-Roof Incentive Program is open to several types of buildings for funding opportunities. These include existing residential, industrial, commercial, institutional buildings, and specific new constructions.
- Existing residential buildings
- Existing industrial buildings
- Existing commercial buildings
- Existing institutional buildings
- New residential buildings with a gross floor area of less than 2,000 m²
- New industrial buildings with a gross floor area of less than 2,000 m²
- New commercial buildings with a gross floor area of less than 2,000 m²
- New institutional buildings with a gross floor area of less than 2,000 m²
- All new construction projects by Toronto School Boards
- All new construction projects by not-for-profit organizations
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Eligible expenses for this grant include costs associated with the installation of green roofs and cool roofs, including specific assessments, materials, and services required to meet the program's requirements.
- Cost of green roof installation
- Cost of structural assessment (up to $1,000)
- Cost of cool roof installation
- Manufacturer documentation and material costs for cool roofs
- Maintenance planning and execution costs
- Building permit fees
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The eligible geographic zone for the Eco-Roof Incentive Program is the City of Toronto.
- City of Toronto
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Applications for the Eco-Roof Incentive Program are evaluated and approved based on eligibility criteria, with applications reviewed weekly and applicants notified within two weeks. Approval is subject to funding availability and project completion within one year of the application approval date.
- Applications must be submitted prior to commencing work on the roof.
- Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis.
- Applicants are notified of their application status within two weeks of requesting a rebate.
- Applications can take up to six weeks to receive approval.
- Funding recipients are selected based on eligibility criteria.
- Application approval is subject to funding availability.
- Approved projects must be completed within one year of the application approval date.
- Applications are reviewed by a Review Committee, including staff from the Environment and Climate Division, City Planning, Toronto Building, and Toronto Water.
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- Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for green roofs and the program’s Terms and Conditions.
- Step 2: Contact a Green Roof Professional (GRP) near you to provide advice and a quote.
- Step 3: Working with your selected GRP or an engineer, determine if a structural assessment is appropriate for your property.
- Step 4: Determine the minimum coverage required based on the Gross Floor Area (GFA) of your property.
- Step 5: Working with your GRP, determine the type of green roof system that you would like to install.
- Step 6: Working with your GRP or landscape architect, determine the type of plants that are best suited to the conditions of your property.
- Step 7: Obtain a building permit. All green roofs constructed in Toronto must obtain a building permit and must meet the minimum requirements set out in the Green Roof Construction Standard (Article IV of the Green Roof Bylaw).
- Step 8: Gather supporting documents: Photo of the roof prior to construction (if applicable), information about the green roof system, detailed plans and drawings of the proposal, and a maintenance plan.
- Step 9: Apply online. Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
- Step 10: Wait to hear back from program staff regarding the status of your application before you begin any work on the roof.
- Step 11: Upon receiving approval for funding, begin installing the green roof.
- Step 12: Upon completion, send photos of the completed roof, a declaration letter stating the final size of the green roof, and an invoice showing the cost of the roof installation to ecoroof@toronto.ca.
- Step 13: Close the building permit. Arrange for an inspection and ensure the building permit is closed.
- Step 14: Project verification. A verification form will be sent to the property owner for signature. Return this form via email to ecoroof@toronto.ca.
- Step 15: Book a site visit with Eco-Roof Program Staff to arrange a time for a site visit and ensure safe access to your green roof.
- Step 16: Rebate payment issued. Payment is issued to the registered property owner via direct deposit.
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The Eco-Roof Incentive Program provides funding to support the installation of green and cool roofs in an effort to make Toronto more climate-resilient. Applicants must meet specific requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and adhering to the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standards.
- Applications must be approved prior to commencing any work on the roof.
- Funding recipients will be selected based on eligibility criteria and are subject to funding availability.
- Approved projects must be completed within one year of the application approval date.
- Projects must meet minimum cool roof requirements (SRI, emissivity) and material requirements (asbestos and mercury-free, zero VOCs and ODSs).
- The City reserves the right to request additional documentation or an inspection by City staff or its agent to verify project compliance.
grant_single_labels|contact
ecoroof@toronto.ca
416-392-1848
Apply to this program
Eco-Roof Incentive Program Summary
The Eco-Roof Incentive Program provides financial support for the installation of green roofs and cool roofs on residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings in Toronto. This initiative aims to enhance Toronto's climate resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote urban biodiversity.
Comprehensive Guide to the Eco-Roof Incentive Program
The Eco-Roof Incentive Program, initiated by the City of Toronto, offers monetary incentives to encourage the installation of eco-friendly roofing technologies, namely green roofs and cool roofs. Celebrating 15 years of success, the program aims to contribute to the city's climate goals by reducing energy consumption, mitigating urban heat islands, and enhancing stormwater management. Below is a detailed breakdown of the program's offerings, eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process.
Green Roof Incentives
Funding Amount: Up to $100,000
Incentive Rate: $100 per square meter of installed green roof
Green roofs, also known as living roofs or vegetated roofs, foster the growth of various types of vegetation on modular rooftops. These roofs are designed according to the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard and include multiple layers such as a root-repellent system, drainage system, filtering layer, growing medium, and plants. They can be installed on both flat and sloped roofs with certain considerations. Eligible green roof types are extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive, each varying by the depth of the growing medium and types of vegetation supported.
Cool Roof Incentives
Funding Amount: Up to $50,000
Incentive Rate: $5 per square meter for a new cool roof membrane; $2 per square meter for a cool roof coating over an existing roof
Cool roofs, also known as white roofs, are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs. This is achieved through reflective coatings or membranes which can be applied over existing roof systems or installed as new structures. The high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) and emissivity values ensure that these roofs contribute significantly to reducing building cooling costs and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Benefits of Eco-Roofs
Energy Efficiency: Eco-roofs help in reducing heating and cooling costs by maintaining a regulated thermal environment, thereby cutting down on energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions.
Extended Roof Longevity: By shielding the roof membrane from extreme temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, eco-roofs prolong the life of roofs, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements.
Urban Cooling: Eco-roofs contribute to urban cooling by reflecting solar heat and fostering cooler surrounding air temperatures, making cities more comfortable, especially during the summer.
Stormwater Management: Green roofs are particularly effective in absorbing rainwater, reducing runoff that can otherwise lead to basement flooding or sewer overflows.
Enhanced Biodiversity: Green roofs provide essential habitats for various urban wildlife, including birds and pollinators, and support the growth of native plants.
Improved Air Quality: Green roof vegetation contributes to carbon sequestration and the production of oxygen, while also filtering pollutants from the air.
Urban Agriculture: Some green roofs are used to grow food, enhancing urban food security and creating potential job opportunities.
Noise Reduction: By adding an insulating layer to buildings, green roofs help mitigate noise pollution. Aesthetic and Recreational Value: Green roofs add visual appeal to urban settings and can be designed as recreational spaces, providing a natural respite in the midst of the city.
Eligibility Criteria for Green Roofs
Eligible Buildings: Existing residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings, as well as new buildings under 2,000 square meters and new projects by Toronto School Boards and not-for-profit organizations.
Minimum Coverage Requirements: Coverage criteria range from 20% for buildings less than 4,999 square meters to 60% for those exceeding 20,000 square meters in gross floor area.
Documentation Requirements: Proof of a building permit for the green roof, a pre-construction photo, comprehensive roof and design plans, and a detailed maintenance plan. For existing buildings, a structural assessment report may also be required.
Eligibility Criteria for Cool Roofs
Eligible Buildings: Existing residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings, as well as new low-rise residential buildings with fewer than five units.
Minimum Material Requirements: The roofing material must meet specific SRI and emissivity standards. For low-slope roofs, an SRI rating of 78 or greater is required; for steep slope roofs, an SRI rating of 25 or greater.
Documentation Requirements: A pre-construction photo, detailed roof plan, manufacturer's documentation of roofing material properties, and a maintenance plan outlining annual cleaning and inspections.
Application Process
1. Review Eligibility: Ensure that your building and project meet the eligibility criteria. Consult with a Green Roof Professional (GRP) or a roofing expert for advice.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including detailed plans, photos, and maintenance plans. For green roofs, ensure you have structural assessment reports if applicable.
3. Obtain a Building Permit: Green roofs require a building permit in Toronto. Contact the Toronto Building Customer Service Counter for guidance on this process.
4. Submit Application: Complete and submit the online application form along with all required documentation. The form can be filled out by the property owner or the roofing contractor.
5. Wait for Approval: Applications are reviewed weekly, and you will be notified of your application status within two weeks. Approval can take up to six weeks.
6. Commence Work: Upon receiving approval, proceed with the installation of your eco-roof. Ensure all work adheres to the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard.
7. Submit Completion Documentation: Once the project is complete, submit photos of the finished roof, a declaration letter from the contractor, and the final invoice to the Eco-Roof program staff.
8. Project Verification and Inspection: Program staff may conduct a verification site visit to confirm the installation complies with program requirements.
9. Receive Rebate Payment: Payment is issued to the registered property owner via direct deposit after all documentation is verified and the building permit is closed.
Conclusion
The Eco-Roof Incentive Program stands as a testament to Toronto’s commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. By offering substantial financial incentives for green and cool roof installations, the program not only fosters environmental stewardship but also promotes economic savings and urban biodiversity. Whether you are a property owner seeking to reduce energy costs or an institution aiming to contribute to the city's green landscape, the Eco-Roof Incentive Program provides ample resources and support to help you achieve your goals.