The development achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold status for the project's environmental sustainability and will produce an estimated 50% energy savings relative to buildings built to the Canadian National Energy Code. The LEED rating system recognizes leading-edge buildings that incorporate design, construction and operational practices that combine healthy, high-quality and high-performance advantages with reduced environmental impacts.
In 2011 Toronto Star architecture critic Christopher Hume named the RBC Centre and the neighbouring Ritz-Carlton Toronto as the two most beautiful buildings completed in the 21st century in Toronto. He praised their integration into the community, and how they have revived Wellington Street. Christopher Hume. "" Toronto Star May 12, 2011.