Warmer weather is on the approach, and with it, ample motivation for property owners and managers to take advantage of the City of Toronto’s funding initiative for cool roofs and green roofs.
The Eco-Roof Incentive Program offers grants for property owners within Toronto who seek to install a cool roof or a green roof. To date, the program has funded over 500 projects. Interested? Here are the key facts on how (and why) it can pay to apply.
What are the advantages of a green/cool eco-roof?
There are numerous financial, environmental, and social benefits that come with the installation of a green or cool roof. From a property management perspective, these roofs save energy costs by reflecting the sun’s energy which reduces heat transfer into the building; therefore, lessening the strain on cooling equipment. For the planet, green/cool roofs help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and keep our cities cool by diminishing the “urban heat” effect in dense city areas.
Green roofs have the added bonus of capturing stormwater, delaying it’s release into the storm sewers and reduces the risk of urban flooding.
Lastly, adding a green roof to a multifamily residence or office building can transform the space into an appealing outdoor escape for tenants, whether it’s used as a natural leisure area, community garden, or pollinator habitat.
What are the differences between a green and cool eco-roof?
The main difference between green and cool roofs are the materials used to reflect or control heat. Green roofs (aka “living roofs”) consist of several layers, including a waterproof membrane, root barrier, growing medium, and a top layer of vegetation such as sedum, wildflowers, food, and other plantings. Green roofs act as natural thermal insulators, absorb rainwater and provide habitats for pollinators and birds that may otherwise be scarce in an urban environment.
Cool roofs, on the other hand, use reflective materials (e.g., reflective tiles, shingles, paint, sheet covering, etc.) to reflect heat. They help mitigate the urban heat effect and reduce energy usage within the building.
What does the City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program offer?
The City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof offers grants to support the installation of both green and cool roofs. Specifically:
- Green roof incentives include $100 per square metre installed and up to $1,000 for a structural assessment of an existing building.
- Cool roof incentives include $5 per square metre for cool roofs installed with a new membrane, and $2 per square metre for cool roof coatings installed over an existing roof.
What properties are eligible for the incentive?
The program is open to existing residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings in the City of Toronto. Additionally, it is available to all new residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings with a gross floor area of less than 2,000 square metres, and all new construction projects by Toronto School Boards and not-for-profit organizations.
Are there installation requirements?
Green roof projects must meet the standards outlined in the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard. These are basic guidelines concerning their design, coverage area, and materials. A building permit is required for green roof installations.
Click to reach to full eligibility requirements for Green Roofs and Cool Roofs.
How do I apply?
Application is straightforward and begins with filling out the online application form.
Importantly, grant applications must be approved before the start of a green or cool roof project.
In challenging economic and environmental times, every support helps. Learn more about how the City of Toronto is helping property owners unlock savings and eco-advantages to greening your roof.
Visit the Eco-Roof Incentive Program website or contact program staff via email at ecoroof@toronto.ca.
