CaDCR staff writer
The University of Toronto Scarborough’s Harmony Commons is the largest passive house-certified building in Canada and the largest passive house dormitory in the world. The announcement follows a certification ceremony held on Sept. 18, where the building received its passive house classic certification from the Passive House Institute.
Designed by Handel Architects, the building is fully electric, avoiding fossil fuel use for heating and cooling, thus significantly reducing its carbon emissions.
The project also represents a significant advancement in the application of passive house standards for large-scale buildings, providing valuable training in sustainable construction methods for local tradespeople.
Opened in 2023, the nine-storey, 746-bed facility is the university’s first dormitory-style residence.
“This is an example to the world of what Canada is doing in high-performance buildings,” said Chris Ballard, president and CEO of Passive House Canada. “It’s a beacon to institutions and governments around the world that passive house buildings on this scale are doable.”
The passive house standard is awarded for remarkable energy efficiency, particularly in heating and cooling. Harmony Commons achieves up to 90 percent less energy consumption compared to conventional buildings through an airtight, well-insulated envelope that effectively prevents heat loss. Notably, the building captures and reuses heat from exhaust air from kitchens and showers to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout.
“If we’re putting up conventional buildings and not driving innovation, then we’re falling short,” he said. He believes the passive house concept aligns closely with the university’s values and expertise in building technologies,” said U of T Scarborough’s Chief Administrative Officer, Andrew Arifuzzaman.
Harmony Commons prioritizes energy efficiency while ensuring improved air quality and ventilation, enhancing students’ overall living and studying experiences. Remarkably, the energy required to prepare more than 3,000 meals daily in the residence and dining hall is less than that consumed by two average households.
As Harmony Commons sets a new benchmark for sustainability in Canada, it not only offers a high-quality living environment for students but also paves the way for future developments aiming for passive house certification.
