Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has officially opened its new administrative head office at 5 Shoreham Drive in Toronto – a groundbreaking example of sustainable building design and innovation.
This four-storey, mass timber structure sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible construction and workplace well-being.
As the home base for TRCA’s conservation, planning, and environmental education efforts, the building serves as a hub for collaboration among staff, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing TRCA’s commitment to protecting and restoring the natural environment.
A Showcase of Sustainability
Designed to meet and exceed the highest sustainability standards, the building is on track to receive multiple green building certifications, including:
- LEED v4.1 Platinum: The highest certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
- WELL Building Standard v2 Silver: Ensuring a workspace that prioritizes health, well-being, and performance.
- Zero Carbon Building Design Certification: Recognized by the Canada Green Building Council, this award highlights the building’s energy efficiency and low carbon footprint. TRCA received this certification in 2024.
- 2023 Ontario Embodied Carbon Award for New Construction: Presented by the Carbon Leadership Forum, this award acknowledges TRCA’s leadership in low embodied carbon design.
Innovative Design for a Greener Future
The 8,100-square-metre building integrates nature, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge design:
- Mass Timber Construction: Reduces embodied carbon and enhances the building’s sustainability.
- Wood First Design: The design strives to maximize the amount of visible wood. This is achieved by the use of raised access floor plenums for distribution of fresh air, and concealment of mechanical and electrical equipment. Mechanical process piping on the ceiling is exposed, reducing the need for bulkheads and drop ceiling. The natural raw wood can be seen from anywhere within the spaces.
- Advanced Energy Efficiency: An open-loop geothermal system provides a 15-20% efficiency improvement in heating and cooling compared to traditional closed-loop systems.
- Hydronic Heating & Cooling: A number of hydronic loops facilitate heating and cooling within the building, including in-slab radiant tubing, hydronic forced air wall heaters, floor trench heaters, radiant ceiling panels, and preheat/precool coils for ventilation equipment.
- Water Walls & Solar Chimneys: These innovative features maximize natural ventilation and help regulate indoor temperatures and humidity within the building. This is achieved through evaporative cooling of the water wall screens in the warmer seasons and humidification in the winter months.
- Smart Solar Shading: The exterior venetian blinds and Brise Soleil system reduce glare and improve energy efficiency. The blinds respond to environmental factors and cues managed through the roof top weather station and BAS.
- Stormwater Management: Features like rainwater harvesting gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement ensure zero stormwater runoff.
- Natural Connectivity: The building is carefully positioned to blend with the Black Creek Ravine, providing stunning views and a strong connection to nature.
- Environmental Considerations for Building Materials: As part of LEED and WELL Certification mandates all materials used in the construction of the building were heavily scrutinized and required to meet specific requirements such as chemical composition, propensity for off-gassing, etc.
Designed for Well-Being & Collaboration
5 Shoreham isn’t just an environmentally sustainable building – it’s a modern and healthy workplace designed with employees in mind:
- Daylight-Filled Workspaces: Large atria and skylights ensure natural light reaches every floor, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
- Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: WELL-certified design ensures cleaner air and improved ventilation for a healthier work environment. This is further enhanced through the use of operable windows and user controllable ceiling mounted fans.
- Flexible & Collaborative Workspaces: Thoughtfully designed spaces support both team collaboration and focused work.
- Sustainable Transportation: Features EV charging stations, bicycle parking, and repair stations to encourage low-emission commuting.
- Exterior Plantings & Landscaping: Particular attention was paid to curate a selection of native plants to complement the existing trees and shrubs, which were carefully protected during the construction. The property further includes extensive gardens of pollinator species.
A Model for the Future
TRCA’s new headquarters is more than just an office – it’s a model for the future of sustainable development and climate-conscious design.
As one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible office buildings in the region, it reflects TRCA’s commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future.
We invite you to explore this innovative space and see how TRCA is redefining the way we work in harmony with nature.
The construction of TRCA’s new administrative office building was made possible through the generous support of our funding partners and stakeholders. We extend our deepest gratitude to: