Metrogate achieves LEED® Silver under the US GBC’s LEED Neighbourhood Pilot Program

We are very proud to announce that the Metrogate neighbourhood, in Scarborough, has achieved LEED® Silver rating for stage 2 of the Neighbourhood Development (ND) pilot program, governed by the United States Green Building Council.

The LEED®-ND rating is similar to other LEED® ratings in that green building and sustainable practices are credited accordingly, but also takes into account an entire green community of buildings and green spaces and how they are incorporated into the neighbourhood.

“Green neighbourhood developments are beneficial to the community and the individual as well as the environment,” reads the LEED 2009 for Neighbourhood Development Rating System. “The character of a neighbourhood, including its streets, homes, workplaces, shops, and public spaces, significantly affects the quality of life. Green buildings, community gardens, and streets and public spaces that encourage physical activity are beneficial for public health. Combine the substantial environmental and social benefits and the case for green neighborhoods makes itself.”

The Metrogate community was transformed from a rundown shipping depot into the green 17 acre Metrogate neighbourhood. Solaris and the Metrogate townhomes flank the south and west sides of the almost two acre Metrogate Park. Ventus is currently under construction to the east and Avani will be at the north side, starting soon!

The Metrogate community masterplan.

The LEED®-ND rating system is comprised of four categories: smart location & linkage, neighborhood pattern & design, green construction & technology, and innovation & design process.

Some of the credits that Metrogate achieved:

• reduced automobile dependence with transit options nearby
• reduced parking footprint with underground and multi-story garages and hundreds of bicycle spaces
• walkable streets and boulevards — widened sidewalks, roadways with reduced speed limits and tree-lined streets
• creation of two new child care centers (located in Solaris Phase 2 and in the upcoming Avani Phase 2)
• convenient access to public spaces and local businesses
• buildings are energy efficient utilizing innovative materials and methodologies.
• reduced water usage and a significant reduction to the “heat island effect”
• recycled and reclaimed materials used in construction (most of which was harvested from the existing site)
• Green Education Program for homeowners which includes workshops, a green education guide, guided tours of the project for all residents, and educational signage.
• in-suite metering of electricity and thermal energy

Read this blog post for more information about the neat green features of the Metrogate Park, including a drainage basin made of crushed, reclaimed building materials.

The Metrogate neighbourhood is centered around a two acre multi-use park.

In addition to being named BILD’s Green Builder of the Year for the past five out of six years, Tridel has sold more LEED® candidate suites than any other builder in the GTA. In 2011, seven LEED projects were launched, with a total of 2211 suites.

Here’s little look back in history. We produced a video to show some of the great team behind the construction, sales and customer service at Metrogate. Things have moved quickly since the video was shot.

• The Metrogate Townhomes were sold and occupied last August
• Ventus one is getting ready for occupancy and Ventus 2 is pouring its last floors.
• Solaris One is sold out
• Only three suites available in Solaris Two
• The Metrogate Park is now open- public art is being installed.

Check out the suites still available at Solaris, Ventus and Avani!