Zero Carbon EnergyDockside Green features a zero carbon designed District Energy (DE) system. Through a combination of strategies, this carbon-neutral development produces more heat and energy than it uses. An on-site biomass gasification plant transforms wood waste into a biogas, which is burnt as fuel to provide hot water and heat. Excess heat is used by neighbouring commercial properties. Together, solar panels, wind turbines, passive solar design and energy efficiency strategies complete the carbon-neutral system.

Sustainable WaterThe development treats 100% of its own sewage through a biofilter membrane system designed by the Canadian company Zenon and commonly used in disaster relief/emergency response projects for off-grid water filtration. Being able to treat the community’s sewage is in stark contrast to Victoria’s prevailing norm, which is an absence of systemic wastewater treatment. Treated water is used in the toilets, for irrigating plants, and in the projectʼs water features, which include a central pond system featuring native vegetation. Potable water savings are 66.5% below baseline LEED® water standards. In addition, rather than relying on the municipal storm water system, Dockside Green uses a specially-designed naturalized approach.

Culture and CommunityAlthough Dockside Green could be considered a community in itself, it was designed to be connected and engaged with the larger region that surrounds it. Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with First Nations in October 2007, the community committed to undertake a meaningful and thoughtful relationship with First Nations people. This included forging a partnership to be good stewards of the land, showcasing Indigenous art, and providing job training. Culture and community are celebrated and promoted at Dockside Green through a variety of other means. Open spaces form a network of places help define the civic realm and accommodate temporary art installations, community markets and the adjacent neighbourhoods. A mix of residential units and a unique affordable housing promote diversity and inclusion by attracting people of all ages, backgrounds and income levels.