Green Development Standards

What Are They?

Green Development Standards (GDS) are measures created by municipalities to encourage environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable development practices. GDS encompasses areas such as: energy and water efficiency and management, Ecology and biodiversity, Waste and the circular economy, and overall Community Design. GDS are integrated into the planning approval process and ensure new developments align with GDS principals.

Infographic titled 'Benefits of Green Development Standards' illustrating how green practices in construction, transportation, energy, and community planning contribute to environmental and economic benefits, including storyboards of buildings, solar panels, wind turbines, parks, and community spaces.
Illustration of people working together to assemble and operate large gears and cogs, symbolizing teamwork and innovation.

Approaches

Black background with three white rightward pointing arrows.
Aerial view of a modern office building surrounded by trees, a parking lot with cars, and a small pond on a fall day.

London Showcase

Two white arrows pointing to the right on a black background.

Standards

A line of wind turbines on a hilltop at sunrise, with clouds below and mountain ranges in the background.

Energy Efficiency & Management

Two white right arrows on a black background.
Modern building with green plants covering the facade and glass windows reflecting the blue sky and clouds.

Building Design

Two white forward-pointing arrows on a black background.
Close-up of water flowing into a clear glass under a faucet against a blue background.

Water Quality & Efficiency

Two large white arrows pointing to the right on a black background.
People walking and standing on a busy storefront sidewalk lined with trees, signs for shops including 'The Chocolat Bar' and 'SHELL Boutique,' and a person sitting next to flowers with a dog.

Community Design

Two white arrows pointing to the right on a black background.
A quiet residential street lined with green and yellow trees on a sunny day.

Ecology & Biodiversity

White right-pointing arrows layered on black background.
Colorful trash and recycling bins in green, blue, yellow, and red, aligned in a row with recycling symbols on the front.

Waste And The Circular Economy

Three white arrows pointing to the right on a black background.
Diagram of green development standards themes with icons and numbered list including energy systems, water systems, ecology and biodiversity, building design, community design, and waste management.

Resources:

Toronto
Whitby
Aurora
East Gwillimbury
Ajax
Caledon
Markham
Richmond Hill
Ottawa
Township of King
Mississauga
Pickering
Vaughan
Burlington
Halton Hills
Brampton
Guelph