Aqualina at Bayside achieves LEED Platinum Certification
Aqualina at Bayside, the first phase of the Tridel/Hines Bayside community on the Toronto waterfront, has achieved LEED Platinum certification. The 13-storey condo development, comprising 363 units, is the first high-rise residential building to achieve Platinum certification under the LEED NC DB+C 2009 rating system in Toronto.
A statement from Tridel says, “This is a significant milestone for the residents of Aqualina at Bayside, and for Tridel and Hines as it heralds the successful LEED certification of the first of four condominium residences of the successful East Bayfront neighbourhood.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green rating system, administered by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). LEED certified buildings are built in a sustainable way, put less pressure on landfill, support local industry, function more efficiently and are healthier places to live. In fact, the typical LEED building will consume on average 33% less electricity, 59% less natural gas and 40% less potable water than a Model Reference Building. This translates into a condominium community that is more sustainable and will help reduce financial costs to operate for it’s residents.
As well, Aqualina at Bayside was also home to the innovative new NetZED suite. The NetZED suite produces renewable electricity equal to the amount it consumes. Tridel reports that “the NedZED suite goes beyond this, incorporating sustainable design into every aspect of the home, from the choice of appliances, lighting and mechanical features, to the suite finishes, furnishings and more. The NetZED suite harnesses the energy from solar panels on the roof for electricity. Excess energy is transferred to the rest of the building, offsetting the NetZED condo’s energy usage during the night.”
The NetZED suite is recipient of the CaGBC ‘Inspiring Home’ Award, which recognizes industry leaders who demonstrate excellence in green building practices and a dedication to innovation in sustainable design.
Tridel was founded by Jack DelZotto, who first built a home in 1934. Hines is privately owned global real estate investment, development and management firm with a presence in 219 cities in 23 countries.