Energy Strategy for Developers
Energy Strategy for Developers
Energy Strategy Terms of Reference – For developers
The Energy Strategy Terms of Reference identifies opportunities to integrate local energy solutions that are efficient, low carbon and resilient. The findings may inform later studies.
When is it required?
An energy strategy can be requested at the application stage for a site plan approval, plan of subdivision, or Official Plan or Zoning By-law amendment.
The energy strategy applies to all new building development, excluding “minor” development (new stand-alone building resulting in a maximum total gross floor area of 300 square metres [3,229 square feet]) and excluding small-scale low-profile residential developments (single detached, semi-detached duplex and double duplex dwelling).
Why is it required?
The Ontario Government’s Provincial Policy Statement 2020 includes energy conservation and efficiency policies as they relate to long-term economic prosperity (1.7.1, j) as well as improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (1.8.1).
The Energy Strategy is intended to contribute to achieving the City's objectives to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and become more resilient. The Community Energy Plan (approved July 17, 2017) aims to improve energy efficiency, modify land use planning, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and foster green energy solutions throughout Windsor while supporting local economic development. The development of energy strategies for planning applications will help Windsor work toward its goals of increasing energy efficiency in new development and laying the foundations for creating a net zero neighbourhood.
The Community Energy Plan aims to create economic advantage, mitigate climate change, and improve energy performance. It strives to position Windsor as an energy centre of excellence that boasts efficient, innovative, and reliable energy systems that contribute to the quality of life of residents and businesses.
Contents of the Energy Strategy:
This section presents minimum requirements for completion of the energy strategy and is not exhaustive. The applicant is encouraged to discuss the required contents with Environment & Climate Change staff prior to initiating the strategy. Calculate energy and emissions for the proposed development using the following scenarios: The scenarios should include opportunities for efficient building envelopes and building-scale renewables, as well as opportunities for shared energy services (e.g. low-carbon thermal energy networks). Identify and evaluate opportunities to achieve low energy use intensities (EUIs) and reduced energy demands, through the following: Identify and evaluate opportunities for low-carbon energy solutions on-site (i.e. within the proposed development site), and off-site through connection to nearby existing or planned buildings and infrastructure. This can include, but is not limited to the following: For multi-building (i.e. campus-type) proposals, identify and evaluate opportunities for shared energy solutions that include, but are not limited to the following: Identify and evaluate opportunities to incorporate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations into residential and commercial developments. Identify and evaluate opportunities for backup power systems that will improve the resilience of buildings to area-wide power outages, especially for multi-unit residential buildings. This includes meeting all emergency power (life safety) requirements as well as providing the following for 72 hours (at a minimum): Upon completion of the energy strategy, selection of energy and emissions scenario and Planning Act approvals, the following will be required once the project has been completed: Confirmation of the energy efficiency of the development through the Green Building programs mentioned above (if higher performance or near-zero emissions scenarios are chosen). If development is constructed to Ontario Building Code (baseline scenario), buildings and/or 10% of homes in the subdivision must meet blower test requirements to verify compliance with the Ontario Building Code. Energy performance labelling (EPL) is a low-cost tool that can help share the energy performance of all buildings. Upon completion of development, both homes and buildings must have an EPL stating energy performance based either on known energy use or observed building condition. It is recommended that developers use the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) EnerGuide Portfolio Manager Rating System as its performance measurement tool and use an independent certification process. For further direction, please contact: Barbara Lamoure 1. Towards Zero Emissions Development
a. Energy Conservation & Demand Reduction
b. Low-Carbon Solutions
2. Energy Resilience
3. Analysis, Preferred Scenario, and Recommendations
Format of the Report
Further Implementation
1. Energy Compliance
2. Energy Performance Labelling
Environmental Sustainability Coordinator
519-255-6100 ext. 6108
blamoure@citywindsor.ca