The Green Development Programme recognizes leadership in new residential developments – specifically homes that are more energy efficient, prepared for extreme weather, and affordable over the long-term.
Developed in partnership with Grey and Dufferin Counties, this voluntary programme provides a consistent, supportive, regional framework to showcase what’s practical, possible, and already happening in our communities.
This framework consists of a menu of 18 development features, or “Metrics”, that can builders and developers may incorporate into their projects. Each selected Metric earns points, and the total score determines the level of recognition - Bronze, Silver, or Gold.
Eligibility
Any new residential development projects that have received or will receive occupancy after January 1, 2025 may participate. Applicants may apply at any time after sufficient design details are confirmed.
While the Green Development Programme is designed for developments of 10+ units, any scale of project may participate. Some metrics may not apply to smaller developments, however all projects are assessed using the same Metrics.
The Green Development Programme aims to make projects stand out by:
Profiling projects publicly through County channels (i.e., website, social media, news release)
Bronze, Silver, or Gold programme logo provided for builders’ marketing purposes
Public award presentation
Higher performance features can help reduce energy and maintenance costs and improve comfort and health. Many features are much cheaper to add to new builds than to retrofit later. As little as 1% capital investment upfront can deliver up to 45% in annual energy cost savings.
By sharing what features are practical and possible, the programme aims to help create and promote industry supports that make it easier to incorporate key features into new builds.
Protect against extreme weather and rising insurance premiums tied to climate risk. Higher performance builders also report fewer water-related warranty issues due to a tighter building envelope.
Recognizing that green building jobs have grown significantly and expected to double from pre-COVID numbers by 2030, this programme aims to not only build future-ready homes, but also a future-ready workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Green Development Programme is a voluntary recognition programme to encourage and support sustainability features in new residential developments – specifically features that make homes and communities more energy efficient, resilient to extreme weather, and affordable over the long-term.
No. Participation in the programme is fully voluntary. Only applicants who choose to participate submit a completed scorecard and supporting documents.
Wellington County is growing. Since it is much cheaper to incorporate energy efficiency and climate protection measures into new builds than retrofit later, this programme helps make sure new homes are ready for the future.
The programme evaluates performance across the following 18 Metrics:
Natural Environment: Native Species, Tree Canopy, Stormwater, Park Access, Climate Risk, and Bird Friendliness.
Community and Transportation: EV Readiness, Complete Streets, Transit Readiness, Accessibility, Affordability, Mixed Housing
Built Environment: Energy Efficiency and Electrification,Embodied Carbon, Heat Island Reduction, Water Efficiency, Solar Readiness, Construction Waste
No. Participating in the program will not interfere or delay the development review and approval process. The program is designed to make it easier—not harder—for developers to navigate sustainability guidelines by providing a clear, streamlined set of best practices and optional higher-performance measures. Those who do not participate will continue through the existing development process without additional steps.
Each performance metric indicated what supporting documentation will be accepted, and many consist of documents that align with existing planning requirements. This includes subdivision or site plan drawings, energy modelling reports, tree inventory and preservation plans, Environmental Impact Assessments, Stormwater Management reports, or manufacturers specifications. The list of possible supporting documents for each metric can be found in the Programme Guide and Scorecard. Alternative documents may be accepted if appropriate justification is provided.
There are no direct financial incentives for programme participation at this time, however the County will continue to explore future opportunities for incentives.
