Vancouver's Green Initiatives
April 1, 2009
by Staff
Edible Landscaping
Vancouver has developed a green initiative to bring food producing gardens to high density apartment buildings. The developers of the downtown Southeast False Creek mixed community are required to provide edible landscaping such as blueberry bushes and fruit trees. Balcony produce gardens are a mandatory part of the building design. A percentage of residential units without access to patios will have access to garden plots. The city dweller's pursuit of locally grown fruits and vegetables may lead them to their own homes. The first phase of Southeast False Creek will open in 2010 and will also be the site of the Olympic Village for the 2010 Olympics.
Vancouver EcoDensity Charter
In 2008, the Vancouver City Council unanimously adopted the EcoDensity Charter which states the top priority in all city planning decisions is environmental sustainability. The EcoDensity Charter also prioritizes housing affordability and livability.
EcoDensity Actions approved include a Rezoning Policy for Greener Buildings. Applications for rezoning must meet minimum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating or the equivalent.
Also voted in is a Rezoning Policy for Greener Larger Sites. Rezoning on sites 2 acres and over will need to meet the Greener Buildings standards as well as requirements to increase affordable housing.
For more information visit Vancouver-ecodensity.ca