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Policy Solution

Exterior building shading

Mandate

Summary

Exterior shading block solar exposure and can lower building temperatures and reduce the need for air conditioning. Examples include awnings or window attachments.

Implementation

Update building code to require exterior shading and adjust street projection requirements to increase the amount of sidewalk a shading structure may cover.

Considerations for Use

Shadings can be permanent or mobile depending on the climate and constraints.

Overview

  • Climate:

    Cold, Hot/Dry, Hot/Humid, Temperate
  • Policy Levers:

    MandateMandates are government regulations that require stakeholders to meet standards through building codes, ordinances, zoning policies, or other regulatory tools.
  • Trigger Points:

    City planning processesIncludes city initiatives such as the development of climate action plan, pathway to zero-energy, master plan, transit plan, energy mapping etc.
    Introducing new or updated zoning/codesIncludes codes, zoning requirements or by-laws pertaining to urban planning and building construction activity.
  • Intervention Types:

    Buildings and Built Form
  • Sectors:

    Buildings, Transportation

Case Studies

Impact

  • Target Beneficiaries:

    Property owners, Residents
  • Phase of Impact:

    Risk reduction and mitigation
  • Metrics:

    Number of buildings with shading structures

Implementation

  • Intervention Scale:

    Building
  • Authority and Governance:

    City government
  • Implementation Timeline:

    Short-term (1-2 Years)
  • Implementation Stakeholders:

    City government, Property owners and managers
  • Funding Sources:

    Private investment
  • Capacity to Act:

    High, Medium

Benefits

  • Cost-Benefit:

    Low
  • Public Good:

    Low
  • GHG Reduction:

    Low
  • Co-benefits (Climate/Environmental):

    Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Co-benefits (Social/Economic):

    Improve the public realm, Save on utilities