May 26

Ontario, Canada, is spending about $100 million in what that government believes to be one of the largest green building retrofits in North America.

About 1,000 new jobs are being created through the renovation of the former Sears Canada headquarters building in Toronto that is now owned by the government.

Work will include efforts to reduce the building´s carbon footprint and the company hopes to achieve green building certification through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

The project includes a green roof, solar energy, lighting sensors, wireless infrastructure to reduce travel needs, and less parking to encourage green commuting, the government said.

"We are bringing to life our government´s commitment to greening Ontario´s buildings and along with it creating green jobs and fuelling a green economy," said George Smitherman, deputy premier and minister of energy and infrastructure.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 9379641289 or jpjohnson@crain.com

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