Shops at Don Mills Green Intiatives
In 2010 Shops at Don Mills had a Diversion Rate of 77% which equates to 4,519,888 kWh of energy saved; 4,438 trees saved; 7,128,460 liters of water saved; and 873 metric tonnes of material were were recovered (sum of recycled and reused material).
Some of our sustainable features include:
• Sealants, paints and carpeting with low-emitting VOCs;
• All double glazed windows with spectrally selective low solar gain, low-E glass to reduce heat loss in the winter but also reduce heat gain in the summer;
• 20 energy efficient, reflective light gray coloured membrane roofs by Carlisle with Soprema moisture barriers and Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO); 45 reflective roofs with Accuplane tapered insulation that improves interior comfort and reduces energy costs by minimizing heat gain in the summer to reduce air-conditioning requirements and is well insulated to reduce heat loss in the winter; reflective properties will also reduce urban heat island (UHI) effect;
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures and autoflushing valves to reduce use of potable water;
• Special areas for recycling and collection of recycled waste;
• Energy-efficient, HVAC rooftop units by Lenox with economizers and refrigerants with POE 3 MA oil that does not use CFCs and HCFCs;
• An energy management system fully commissioned to monitor the performance of each of the 20 buildings;
• Energy-efficient, dark-sky, friendly exterior lighting system directed downward to minimize light pollution; extensive use of LED lighting in exterior and high and low switching to reduce power consumption;
• All exterior and interior lighting controlled automatically by timers and/or sensors;
• Considerable shade and weather protection using covered walkways and building canopies;
• Abundant tree foliage with 8 to 10 ft rootballs, and 2 ft. canopies to help absorb carbon dioxide and use of local plant material for water conservation;
• We have converted to 100% recyclable air filers;
• We use Fusion ™ anti-icing and de-icing products which are made from plant material and are100% organic and biodegradable in combination with a salt management program to ensure the reduction in overall road salt used.
• Our gift wrap is made from 100% recycled materials and is FSC Certified. We also have free reusable bags available for customers to use to reduce the need for paper and plastic bags;
• Our Guest Services uniforms are eco-friendly, created from approximately 13 recycled plastic bottles that are blended with wool and Lycra®. The stretch fabric of the suit is wrinkle-resistant which delivers long-wearing performance and the ability can be laundered at home. This eliminates the need for professional dry-cleaning, as well as the toxins and harsh chemicals that are often utilized in that process.
• Through Shops at Don Mills’ ongoing partnership with Don Mills Collegiate Institute, Shops at Don Mills donates all of their used hoarding materials to the Technological Design and Green Industries classes. This helps reduce the schools costs for various projects while keeping the materials out of the land fill. The Technological Design and Green Industries students also sell craved pumpkins at Shops at Don Mills during Halloween to raise funds for their class.
• Shops at Don Mills is pleased to support the community by encouraging participation in an Ontario Electronic Stewardship approved Collection Event. In an effort to keep unwanted electronics from entering landfills, our community members at the Church of Ascension (on Overland Drive, just west of the Donway West) are hosting a material drop off program on Saturday, October 15, 2011. These scrap electronics will be safely diverted from landfill so that materials can be recovered by authorized recyclers and any hazardous material can be safely managed.
If you have questions and/or suggestions regarding our GREEN AT WORK® program please email: