top of page
Search
Feb 4, 20223 min read

Electric Vehicle Charging Readiness in Sustainability Standards

As mentioned in previous blog posts, different levels of government are preparing to take steps to address greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions, energy use, and sustainability. As traditional gas powered transportation is a contributor to ghg emissions, electric vehicle (EV) adoption and implementing charging infrastructure have become a critical step in improving relevant metrics. This has the potential to disrupt both new developments and existing buildings. However what changes could take effect, and what does future-proofing your property actually look like?

Zero emissions and building sustainability are a growing area of interest
Zero emissions and building sustainability are a growing area of interest

What should you expect?

One way to get an idea of potential requirements is to look at existing related standards.


Around the World: LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most used building rating system globally. It is a framework that encourages efficient, energy saving buildings by awarding different levels of achievement according to a checklists based on building type. Some benefits of having a high LEED score are:

  • Enhanced property value: efficient buildings save energy and operation costs

  • Publicity: high-scoring buildings often adopt new technologies and are considered leaders in design and are featured by LEED, news outlets, and other interest groups

  • Financial and tax incentives: depends on offers available

LEED includes EV charging infrastructure in its rating system and awards 1-2 points in its v4.1 edition depending on building type. Some common requirements include: voltage level, panel/connection location, and proportion of total parking spaces that are charger ready. See further reading and sources at the end for specific requirements.


Local: Toronto Green Standard (TGS)

The Toronto Green Standard is a set of sustainable design and performance requirements for new private and city developments. It is similar to LEED as it has a rating system that awards different grades based on performance, with Tier 1 required for new planning applications, zoning bylaw amendments, site plan approvals, and draft plans of subdivisions, while compliance with the stricter Tier 2 is voluntary. However as it is run by the city, they also offer financial incentives for buildings that perform above the minimum requirements.


In July 2021 Toronto City Council reviewed v3 of the TGS and approved v4, which comes into effect May 1, 2022 and accelerates the city's plan to meet its goals. One of these changes involving electric vehicle infrastructure increases the minimum requirements for low-rise buildings' EV-ready parking spaces to 25% and 100% for higher a tiers. See further reading for more details.


How We Can Help

Mann Energy Solutions (MES) is a professional consulting engineering company that specializes in electrical and energy solutions, including engineering and implementation. Our experienced electrical engineers can help work with your building’s unique profile to identify spare electrical capacity, energy saving opportunities, and design the best system for you. Our firm has hundreds of installed electrical and power projects and we have been in business since 1983. Some of our services include:

  • Free site walk-through by our experienced engineers and technicians to provide an initial site assessment

  • Engineering feasibility studies

  • Incentive study and application

  • Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) for a turnkey project

For more information or a complimentary assessment contact us through the main site, info@mannenergysolutions.com, or call (416) 201 9109 x 158.


Sources and Further Reading

Comments

bottom of page