[BCNnet] FYI: Toronto mandates bird-friendliness into new buildings!!

[Randi Doeker - Chicago]

FYI

Randi Doeker

Chicago

 

  _____  

 
 The City of Toronto has become the first city in the world to mandate
bird-friendliness. Beginning Jan. 31, 2010, all new proposed low-rise
non-residential, mid to high rise residential and industrial, commercial and
institutional development will be required under Tier 1:
 
 GLASS AND OTHER DESIGN FEATURES FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS: Ensure that design
features minimize the risk for migratory bird collisions. 
 
 * Treat glass with a density pattern between 10-28cm apart for a minimum of
the first 10-12m of a building above grade 
 OR
 Mute reflections for a minimum of the first 10-12m of a building above
grade
 
 * Ensure ground level ventilation grates have a porosity of less than 2cm X
2cm. 
 
 * Where a green roof is constructed that is adjacent to glass surfaces;
ensure that the glass is treated to a height of at least 12m above the level
of the green roof to prevent potentially fatal window collisions. 
 
 LIGHT POLLUTION: Reduce nighttime glare and light trespass from the
building and the site
 
 * No up-lighting from exterior light fixtures unless otherwise permitted
through a Heritage designation
 
 * Install exterior light fixtures that are shielded to prevent Glare and/or
Light Trespass onto any neighbouring properties
 
 
 Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, who has championed bird-friendliness on
Council from the beginning, also moved and it was carried unanimously:
 
 That the Toronto Green Standard report be circulated to the following
organizations, and that they be requested and encouraged to adopt similar
environmental standards, especially with regard to the Bird Friendly
Guidelines and Light Pollution:
 
 - LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Green Buildings
Certification Institute)
 
 - BOMA: Building Owners and Managers Association
 
 - BILD: Building Industry Land Development Association
 
 - Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
 
 - Canada Green Building Council
 
 - AMO: Association of Municipalities of Ontario
 
 - FCM: Federation of Canadian Municipalities
 
 FLAP's Michael Mesure says: "FLAP's 16 years of tireless work in bird
conservation has finally produced one of our most desired results which, up
to now, could only be dreamed of."
 

 
 

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