Buildings are our best hope in the battle to combat climate change.

A 2007 study by McKinsey, an international consulting firm, showed that changes in building design and construction could offset up to 6 billion tons of carbon emissions annually “through measures with a zero or negative net life-cycle cost.”

This constitutes about one-fourth of the abatement required to keep atmospheric carbon emissions below 450 parts per million in 2030.

Earlier this year, the tri-national Commission for Environmental Cooperation reported that promoting the green design, construction, renovation and operation of buildings could cut North American greenhouse gas emissions more deeply, quickly and cheaply than any other available measure.

That knowledge makes Dockside Green on Victoria’s inner harbour a project that should inspire everyone in British Columbia – especially anyone planning to build a home, office building, or other development.

Dockside Green is generating global buzz as a showplace of sustainable design and technology that will eventually house 2,500 people on a 15-acre former brownfield.

A mixed-use project, the development will feature residential, retail, office and light industrial uses. Windmill Developments and its main partner Vancity Credit Union have a goal of creating a greenhouse gas (GHG) neutral community that will have no net emissions from a building energy perspective.

Synergy, the first phase of the Dockside Green development that includes 95 homes in two condo buildings, townhouses, and commercial space, is the highest-ranked platinum LEED project in the world. REPEAT: IN THE WORLD!

A point-based system, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rates buildings according to key environmental attributes such as site impacts, energy and water use, materials and resource conservation, and indoor environmental quality. It is the most recognized certification system for green buildings in North America.

Dockside Green earned 63 of a possible 70 points, achieving the maximum possible number of points in five out of the six categories.

Dockside Green will eventually comprise 26 buildings totalling 1.3 million square feet and will be built over 10 to 12 years. The developers are so committed to their environmental vision that they have agreed to pay a $1 million penalty to the City of Victoria if they fail to meet the LEED platinum rating in any of the additional construction.

By using a holistic, reusable approach to storm water and sewage treatment, Dockside Green is the first large scale development in Canada that will collect, treat and filter storm water while treating 100 percent of sewage onsite.

Dockside Green’s green roofs will recycle water by directing overflow water into rain cisterns on each resident’s balcony, providing water for planters and houseplants. Naturalized creeks and ponds will clean and control storm water flows.

By using water-efficient fixtures such as dual flush toilets, 1.5 gallon per minute showerheads, water efficient taps and high-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines, Dockside Green will reduce the annual use of potable water by 65 percent over traditional developments.

Among the other features of Dockside Green are a car-share program, a biomass gasification system utilizing wood waste to create heat and hot water, low-e double glazing and exterior blinds on the west and south faces of the buildings to keep interior spaces cool. In addition, the buildings are designed to use 45 to 55 percent less energy than the Canadian Model National Energy Code, saving residents money while reducing GHG emissions.

A unique feature of the development is a fresh air system that utilizes a heat recovery ventilator to preheat 100 percent of incoming air saving energy costs while providing fresh air.

Other energy efficiency measures include compact fluorescent lighting, LED lighting in corridors, highly energy efficient appliances, occupancy sensors to ensure lights are used only when needed, and some solar lighting in landscape areas to reduce electrical costs.

In addition, each suite in the development has a meter to measure hot and cold water use, heat, and electrical consumption. Studies have shown that when individuals are given the ability to monitor their own water and energy use, they traditionally use up to 20 percent less than those who aren’t able to do this monitoring. Residents can monitor and adjust their settings on the meter while out of their unit via a computer with a secure website.

Various renewable energy systems will also be used at Dockside Green including solar photovoltaics, solar hot water heating, and wind turbines.

Every building built from today onward will have a long-lasting impact on future generations. To make the world a better place, builders need to make the wisest decisions regarding energy use, building materials, and water consumption.

Dockside Green has set the best example to date.