There are challenges associated with building eco-friendly high-rise residential buildings, but builders of new Toronto communities are showing an increased commitment to the including "green" features. One of the new developments planning to employ energy saving and environmentally friendly features is Concert Properties' The Kip District, a master-planned high-rise community coming to a six-acre site in the 'Six Points' area of Etobicoke, near Kipling and Dundas. 

Rendering of The Kip District's first phase, and placeholder future phases, image courtesy of Concert Properties

The green features to be included in the Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects-designed community have been designed with sustainability in mind. There are obvious features like low-flow toilets to save water and the inclusion of Energy Star appliances, both of which reduce costs for residents. Suites at The Kip District will be outfitted with more advanced technology too, like individual programmable thermostats and integrated heat recovery systems to reduce power consumption. The separate composting and recycling systems found in many new-build developments are being passed over in favour of an integrated system. Charging stations located in the underground parking garage will foster the use of electric vehicles.

28-storey first phase of The Kip District, image courtesy of Concert Properties

A landscaping and irrigation system will be supplemented by a storm water retention system that collects and stores rainwater in a large tank. Water collected using this system will be used to keep the plant life on the grounds of the community lush and vibrant. The development will also include green roof systems utilizing native, drought resistant plants to minimize environmental impact.

28-storey first phase of The Kip District, image courtesy of Concert Properties

Aiming for LEED Gold certification, The Kip District will bring five new high-rise residential towers to Etobicoke over the next 10 to 15 years, with up to 1,400 new homes to be built as part of the development. The community is set to include 20,000 square feet of retail space at grade, plus a standalone amenity building with a pool and community facilities for all residents, called The Kip Club. The development will also feature a new quarter-acre, publicly-accessible parkette along Dundas Street.

Green space at The Kip District, image courtesy of Concert Properties

Additional information and newly released renderings of the onsite park can be found in our dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.