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Green Development Standard

Green Development Standard

The Town of Halton Hills’ Green Development Standard supports environmentally responsible development and construction practices. It outlines sustainability measures that help reduce environmental impact and promote long‑term resilience in the community.

This page provides an overview of the Standard and how it applies to development projects.

About the Green Development Standard

The Green Development Standard provides guidance and requirements for incorporating sustainable design and building practices into new development.

It supports:

Reduced environmental impact
Efficient use of energy and water
Improved environmental performance of buildings and sites
Long‑term community sustainability

The Standard may apply to certain types of development and planning applications.

Who It Applies To

The Green Development Standard is generally intended for:

Developers and builders
Planning consultants and agents
Property owners undertaking development projects

Requirements may vary depending on the type, size and scope of the project.

What the Standard Covers

The Green Development Standard may include considerations related to:

Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction
Water conservation and stormwater management
Landscaping and tree preservation
Sustainable site design and land use
Materials and construction practices

Specific requirements are outlined as part of the development or application process.

Applying the Standard

If your project is subject to the Green Development Standard:

Requirements will be identified during the planning or application stage
You may be required to submit supporting documentation
Compliance will be reviewed as part of project approval

Early consultation with Town staff is encouraged to understand applicable requirements.

Why It Matters

The Green Development Standard helps:

Protect natural resources
Support climate and environmental goals
Improve long‑term performance of buildings and infrastructure
Create more sustainable neighbourhoods

The Green Development Standard (GDS) sets the rules for environmentally friendly design in new developments in Halton Hills. It applies to new developments, major additions to existing buildings, and projects requiring planning approval (e.g., rezoning, subdivision, or site plan).

The GDS was first developed in 2010, with updates in 2014 and most recently in 2021. GDS V3 consists of 12 measures, organized into 5 categories.

Energy & Water
Ecology, Resiliency, Transportation, Innovation

In place since 2010, GDS consists of 12 measures, organized into 5 categories: Energy & Water, Ecology, Resiliency, Transportation, Innovation. Each measure has points associated with it. To be compliant with GDS, all new developments and major additions that submit a rezoning, subdivision, or site plan control application must demonstrate achievement of at least 20 points.

The Green Development Standard (GDS) was first developed in 2010 with updates in 2014 and most recently in 2021. The Green Development Standard v3 (GDS v3) applies to all applicable to all developments and major additions subject to an Official Plan and/or Zoning By-law Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision, or Site Plan Control approval as of June 15, 2021.

GDS v3 builds on the foundation of previous green development standards and puts increased weight on measures that reduce greenhouse gases of new development in the community. The purposes of the GDS v3 are:

To further elevate the sustainability performance of new developments in our community.
To ensure alignment with current best practices in sustainable building and development.
To support community-wide net-zero carbon emissions goals identified in the Town’s Emergency Declaration approved in 2019.

Related Information

Planning & Development Applications – Submit and manage applications
Site Alterations – Land changes and approvals
Sustainable Living – Actions residents can take
Trees – Urban forest and environmental protection