Target 2030: Establishing Utility Performance Targets for Carbon Reduction at the University of Toronto

Taryn Green, RWDI

The University of Toronto (U of T) is increasing its commitment to reducing its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. U of T has set a target of being a net-zero GHG institution by 2050. A key element to achieving this goal will be to reduce the carbon footprint of all buildings, both existing and new construction.

To support this goal, RWDI's services were engaged to develop an updated utility performance standard for all buildings across three U of T campuses in downtown Toronto, Scarborough, and Mississauga, Ontario. After conducting an iterative energy-modelling approach, performance-based metrics for six archetypal buildings were established, including wet and dry laboratories, that represent most of the buildings across the three campuses. Performance targets were developed for new buildings that will balance technology, costs, and current infrastructure. Staging-improved indices, to keep in tune with codes, were also established, as were tiered improvements that can be applied to existing buildings, which represents a large portion of U of T's total emissions.

This session provides an overview of U of T's overall approach, including details about the key considerations mentioned above. It will also highlight key findings and limitations related to both wet and dry laboratory building types.

Learning Objectives

• Hear about considerations for academic and research facilities seeking to improve utility performance;
• Learn key elements to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas institution;
• Learn key steps to develop an updated utility performance standard for all buildings across campus; and
• Learn how to work toward reducing the carbon footprint of all buildings, both existing and new construction.

Biography:

Taryn has an extensive background as a sustainability consultant and advisor in the buildings and infrastructure fields. She has worked on a wide variety of sustainable design and environmental management projects including residential, commercial, infrastructure, transportation, and institutional developments throughout Canada and globally. Taryn's work has helped her develop her expertise in project management, climate change mitigation, climate resilience and adaptation strategies, climate risk and due diligence, and green building performance standards. She has contributed to industry publications, led technical training sessions, and provided advisory services for construction and master planning projects, technical specifications, project financing agreements, and PPP/P3 bid developments.

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