Sustainability & climate

Evergreen Brick Works: bringing sustainable solutions to life!

The Brick Works was designed to be a place where the world can experience sustainable practices that enable thriving cities of the future.

Published on August 27, 2024 by Coralie Pinhal, Bilingual Coordinator, Marketing and Communications

pond with old brick factory building in the background
Photo credit Al Yoshiki

Rainfall, extreme heat and other extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity. Cities around the world are being challenged by the escalating impacts of climate change.

 

With over 50% of all people living in cities today — and that number rising to 70-80% by 2050 — cities will be the frontline in our fight against the climate crisis. And that begins with investing in climate-ready spaces.

 

Great public spaces enhance climate resilience, support sustainable urban living, and empower communities. Want to see the transformative power of public spaces in action? In the heart of Canada’s biggest city, Evergreen Brick Works is brimming with sustainable solutions that can be scaled in cities across the country.

 

safety raft on flooding alley at Evergreen Brick Works

photo credit Al Yoshiki

Be ready for extreme weather: flood proofing solutions

 

The extreme rainfall Toronto experienced on July 16, 2024, was a reminder of the importance of climate adaptation.

 

Rather than trying to prevent flooding, the Brick Works, located in the heart of the Don watershed, is designed to mitigate the impact of floods and allow water to flow through it.

 

In practice, the floors are raised by a Cupolex foundation to help water, moisture and gases escape from beneath. Other solutions, including the greenways running parallel and adjacent to many buildings across our site, helps slow the flow of stormwater runoff as it moves downstream and reduces the impact of flooding. Inside the buildings, most of the main mechanical and electrical rooms are elevated on the second floor. These solutions are easily reproducible and essential to improve climate-readiness and reduce the risks from extreme weather.

 

Drone shot of Evergreen Brick Works, overview of an old brick factory and quarry restored as a parc

Green design and construction 

 

The reclamation and revitalization of a former industrial site into a thriving community space is a representative case of adaptive reuse. Rather than demolishing to build a new space, adaptive reuse reduces waste and typically lower the carbon footprint.

 

Existing buildings are the biggest challenge to move towards a zero-carbon future — Evergreen took the challenge by preserving historical features within an overall framework of sustainability. The Brick Works uses solar thermal technology integrated with a ground source system to capture and store heat, allowing the site to reduce the energy required to heat the space during the winter. Meanwhile, a high-efficiency, renewable geo-exchange system heats and cools buildings all year-round.

 

These features were key elements to obtain a Platinum LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) — the highest level of sustainability achievement for buildings. The achievement of conserving an industrial legacy while creating a resilient public space is the product of a long-term strategy, a strategy that also incorporates green energy.

 

old brick factory kilns repurposed as event space

Renewable energy commitment

 

Through a partnership with Bullfrog Power, the Brick Works chooses 100% renewable energy for the historic kiln building. This means that Bullfrog Power’s generators put renewable electricity back onto the grid on the Brick Work’s behalf to match the amount of conventional power used. Bullfrog Power’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind, solar, and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities.

 

“By choosing green electricity, Evergreen Brick Works is helping to reduce our dependence on polluting forms of energy and transition our energy systems to renewable sources,” said Suha Jethalal, President, Bullfrog Power.

 

Bullfrog Power also uses the support of its customers to help fund more than 160 community-based green energy projects across Canada, including solar panels for schools, nonprofits, and Indigenous communities. These projects help to reduce communities’ reliance on fossil fuels, while showcasing that alternative energy sourcing is possible.

 

By partnering with Bullfrog Power, Evergreen is reducing our carbon footprint, helping to fund community-based green energy projects, and supporting an innovative approach to growing the renewable energy industry in Canada.

 

path going through a lush green garden

photo credit Al Yoshiki

Public gardens and regenerative landscapes 

 

Evergreen’s commitment to sustainability extends deeply into the way we design and care for our gardens and landscapes.  By stewarding native plants, we’re not only restoring the ecological integrity of the site but also enhancing its biodiversity. Native plants are essential to maintaining a balanced ecosystem — they offer natural habitats and food sources for pollinators like bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, which are vital to the health of our environment.

 

These gardens are more than just beautiful spaces; they are resilient, climate-ready landscapes that thrive in their natural environment. They reduce the need for artificial irrigation and chemical inputs, supporting a healthier, self-sustaining ecosystem. Our regenerative approach to landscaping ensures that the site can adapt to changing climate conditions while continuing to support the diverse species that depend on it.

 

Discover the climate-ready benefits of our native plants with a virtual tour of the public gardens.

 

a person is buying veggies at a famers market stall

Local food initiatives  

 

Our beloved Saturday Farmers Market is the largest farmers market in Toronto with the widest offering of local and seasonal food in the city.

 

Beyond providing local tasty food, famers markets play an essential role in the community while fostering the growth of a resilient food system. Famers markets bring people together to share the experience of food, conversation and shopping, and strengthen the community.

 

“The farmers market at Evergreen Brick Works is more than just a place to buy fresh produce; it’s a vital part of our local food ecosystem,” said Chantal Stepa, Evergreen’s Farmers Market Manager.  “By supporting local farmers and sustainable practices, the market helps create a resilient food system that’s better equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change.”

 

On the other side of the stall, small and medium-sized businesses see an incredible opportunity. Not only they can sell their products without operating a more expensive store, but famers markets also enable producers to get direct feedback and test their products.

 

Public markets provide many benefits including supporting sustainably-produced food and goods that protect the health of individuals and the environment, strengthening regional economic longevity and uniting communities.

 

If you want to visit our next farmers market, you can make your way using our sustainable transit options.

 

Free shuttle bus at Evergreen Brick Works

Sustainable transit

 

Evergreen encourages using sustainable forms of transportation, and we’ve put in place a range of options to choose from. The TTC is running 7 days a week to the Brick Works, so is our Free Shuttle Bus which departs every 30–45 minutes during operating hours.

 

Many walking trails lead to the Brick Works, meaning you enjoy the scenery as you make your way to our green oasis in the heart of the city. Find our route suggestions here.

 

Want to cycle into the valley? You’ll find plenty of bike rack spaces at the Brick Works and even a Bike Share Toronto dock. There are many different routes that lead to the Brick Works, so check the City of Toronto’s Cycling Network Map to find yours. To encourage biking, Evergreen offers several biking programs for you to learn, practice or even fix your bike. The Drop-In Bike Repair program is open, and our repair team can help ensure your ride is tuned and ready to go. You can also do it yourself by learning the fundamentals of bike repair with our experts so you can extend the life of your bike and keep it out of the landfill.

 

Learn more

Want to learn more about sustainable urban solutions? Check out some of the highlights from the 2024 Evergreen Conference.

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