Amy Buckland
Spatial Analysis of Leed Projects in the Toronto and Vancouver Census Metropolitan Areas from 2001 to 2013 ©2014
The spatial distribution of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects was examined for the Toronto and Vancouver Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs). The projects were analyzed over three time frames between 2001 and 2013. Global and local spatial autocorrelation measures were used to determine if statistically significant clustering of projects exists, and if they are becoming more clustered over time. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine if any relationships exist between socio-demographic variables and LEED project presence. Cross-tabulated comparisons were also made between LEED project growth numbers and policy presence in an attempt to discover any patterns. Results showed that LEED projects are mostly clustered in downtown areas, specifically financial districts where there are many commercial buildings. Both study areas for all three time frames showed statistically significant clustering. The global measure results showed that LEED projects are becoming more clustered over time in the Vancouver CMA, but less clustered in the Toronto CMA. However, the local measure results show more intense clustering over time in both CMAs. Statistically significant associations were found between the selected socio-economic variables and LEED presence, however only weak relationships were found. Policy presence was found in most of the top cities for LEED projects and LEED project growth, suggesting that policy which references the LEED system is making an effective contribution to sustainable building practices.