Renewable Energy

In using 100% renewable power sources, we are helping to foster a sustainable energy system that will have minimal impact on the environment.

Bullfrog Power injects renewable electricity onto the regional grid to match the amount of energy used by Evergreen Brick Works. Bullfrog’s electricity comes exclusively from local wind and hydro facilities.

Biogas: The building is heated using methane produced by the decaying organic waste at a Quebec landfill. The CO₂ released is part of the natural carbon cycle, and does not increase the level of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Lighting Control

Energy consumption for lighting can be minimized by automatically adjusting
brightness in hundreds of indoor and outdoor fixtures.

A digital lighting control system with daylight and occupancy sensors reduces unnecessary lighting.

57% energy savings compared to standard construction

Exterior Lighting

We are working with the Toronto Atmospheric Fund’s Light Saver Program to test and monitor new outdoor lighting technologies.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lights, used in our central parking lot, provide 87% energy savings compared to sodium lighting. These are still experimental for outdoor use.

Metal halide bulbs, used in our east lot, are less expensive than LEDs, but not as efficient, providing 76% energy savings compared to sodium lighting.

Exterior fixtures are equipped with cut-offs and reflectors so that no light is directed upward into the sky or into the park. This minimizes the effect of the lights on wildlife that require dark at night for survival.

Solar Thermal

Energy collected from rooftop solar panels heats the hot water that we use on site.

Photovoltaic Panels

Evergreen and the Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative are developing a community owned generating facility on site that will produce the equivalent of 15% of this building’s annual electricity demand.

Ice Rink Heat Recovery

An ECO CHILL® refrigeration system cools the ice surface while reusing the waste heat to warm the adjacent Marketplace building.

Water Fixtures

Motion-activated sink faucets conserve water, while solar-activated sensors reduce energy use. Our fixtures use 60-80% less water than standard types.

As well, conventional urinals use a great deal of water. Our waterless system ensures no waste, while also maintaining clean pipes and remaining odour-free.

Rainwater Harvesting

To conserve drinking water, which requires considerable energy to disinfect, we collect as much rainwater as possible for use in our washrooms, gardens and cooling tower.

• Rain falls on the rooftops and runs into pipes.
• A filter removes particulates and debris.
• Water collects in two large 20,000-litre above-ground cisterns.
• Particulate and carbon filters remove odours.
• Disinfection by UV lights.
• Water is pumped for use.

60% water conservation compared to standard construction