High Performance Development Standard

The High Performance Development Standard is a collection of voluntary and required standards that raise the performance of new building projects to achieve sustainable and resilient design. The High Performance Development Standard consists of three tiers of performance. The standards, also known as ‘metrics’ in Tier one are mandatory. Tiers two and three contain higher level voluntary standards.

Sustainable and resilient design in new development supports public health and safety, environmental protection and responds to climate change, all of which are priorities within Ottawa’s new Official Plan. Over the last two decades, many municipalities across Ontario have instituted what are commonly referred to as "green development standards". These have proven to be an effective tool in building capacity within the industry to advance the sustainability and resiliency in new developments.

Using the authority set out under the Planning Act, the City will phase in minimum performance measures for new developments that require site plan and plan of subdivision approval. This will begin when the new Official Plan comes into effect.

We welcome you to explore this page to learn more about the High Performance Development Standard and its measures.

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