Things I'd Like To See - More Green Development
Now that the GTA and outlying urban centres are faced with having to evolve their development practices from the standard fare of urban sprawl into a more intense focus on densification, a tremendous opportunity is at hand for these centres to recreate themselves as models of creative and exciting architecture - and to do so using the latest green technology. Cities like Markham and Mississauga are creating entire new downtown communities from what was once just farmers fields. Brampton is doing it's best to redevelop it's downtown with new highrise condos. Orangeville, which already has a charming downtown, will soon be forced to grow up instead of out. Halton Region has proposed a reduction in the amount of land available to builders which will force Georgetown to reshape it's skyline. What a great time for these centres to take the lead on environmentally conscious development by insisting builders incorporate more eco-friendly technologies into their condos and houses. How about more use of solar panels on the sides and tops of buildings, rain collection systems, green roofs, hydro outlets for electric cars, well - you get the idea. Of course, there are buildings that do adhere to green principals, but they are still a rarity. That a building is green shouldn't be trumpeted with news releases and press coverage - it should be the norm. Whether by necessity or social conscience, the environment is inevitably going to play a larger and larger role in any future development, rendering much of today's construction obsolete - so why not start now.