The July 8th, 2021, BOMA Toronto webinar demonstrated the value of NRCan’s EBCx approach. The 4-phase approach is a catalyst for achieving and sustaining low and no-cost savings between 8-15%, as well as tenant and occupant improvements.
Energy@Work was asked to present case studies which validated the EBCx process through verified electricity savings by Toronto Hydro. The following are examples from over 20 buildings that entered a pay-for-performance program between 2017 and 2020. These properties achieved a collective ‘avoided’ cost of $3.2 Million- nearly 17,000,000 kWh, equal to the annual electricity use of 1,922 Ontario homes!
An Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) is an effective means to achieve and sustain low and no-cost savings through a regular review of utility use and building performance.
For more information please contact: requests@energy-efficiency.com
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The AEEGTA Wrench of the Year awards recognize individuals that “best exemplify the spirit of hard work, hands-on responsibility, and determination that resulted in the successful implementation of an energy efficiency project in 2020 or 2021.”
Facility personnel are often overlooked in major efficiency projects, but their hard work is instrumental to the success of any project. The awards include a $300 prize for the recipient!
We were thrilled to have nominated the 2020 Wrench of the Year award recipient, James Hrenyk, Operations supervisor at 4711 Yonge Street! James was recognized for the results he helped achieve through the implementation of the 4711 Yonge Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP).
A 2021 survey by YouGovAmerica has shown that, of 538 Americans currently working from home, a majority want to remain home rather than return to the office. For property management, this will have many implications.
Can something be done to encourage employees to return to work?
We think developing a strategy to promote your building’s preparedness for tenants is paramount!
It is crucial that tenants are comfortable returning to the office. Ensuring that specific HVAC settings, filters, maintenance schedules, etc. are up to ASHRAE’s recommended standards can give your building occupants piece of mind.
NRCan has released an HVAC Operation self-assessment tool and guide specific to the pandemic period. It is available free from the NRCan website:
NRCan HVAC Self-assessment tool and guide
So, will people return?
No one knows for sure. But we had to make an educated assessment to determine this year’s Global Adjustment Class A vs B decision.
This was a difficult analysis because:
i) Buildings had to use their pre-pandemic peak demand factor (pdf) from 2019-2020,
and
ii) kWh in 2021-22 was substantially lower.
Our ‘bottom line’:
We believe that there will be a “New Norm” where the standard M-F, 9 to 5 will become the exception Vs the rule. This will mean that property management will need flexibility in their core competencies, support, and the right information to be in the strongest position to support a positive tenant experience!
On June 15th, commercial consumers with an average monthly demand over 1,000 kW had a decision to make: To become a Class A or B customer. COVID created many obstacles in determining the best course of action. By tailoring individual plans with each client, we can confidently predict over $1,000,000 in savings for 2021/2022! We look forward to sharing our results- stay tuned!
June GAM cost is $0.88 Billion.
Energy@Work wants to see a greater focus on GAM cost reduction and who to speak with to ask “why?”.
GAM costs are largely Nuclear (OPG and non-OPG). However, conservation continues to be reported as the reason for GAM. Another ‘why?’ that remains unanswered.
Energy@Work’s services includes a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for either Class A or Class B to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million.
We assist in evaluating Class A eligibility and assess potential strategies for both Class A and B.
From Linda Leister, Property Manager:
“Berkeley Castle has surpassed all the goals that were set and have gained a reputation in the Ontario property management and energy efficiency industry as a leader. We are one of the ones setting an example to all others.
Energy@Work is the company that has worked tirelessly with us to make sure all this happened, and we could never have achieved these goals without them.”
Berkeley Castle’s story of success is a true testament to what can be achieved when we combine the 3P’s: People, Process and Products.
People: Individuals drive change. Supporting the Right person with the Right information and at the Right time has proven successful to us and our clients.
Process: It is essential to have a proven framework, which we refer to as our E-MAP.
Products: We have developed our utility management “toolbox” to ensure that we can understand and effectively communicate the information that clients need to have the confidence in implementing the changes necessary to optimize and sustain performance.
Berkeley Castle has been actively engaged in their E-MAP since 2017- since then they have made amazing strides, especially considering it is a Historic Building! Recently, Berkeley received an energy efficiency lighting improvement grant. They inventoried the light fixtures and will ensure that every inefficient light is replaced (as required) with the most energy efficient option currently available.
Stay tuned, stay connected and stay safe!
We thank everyone that has provided feedback and for your comments: positive and negative!
We appreciate to hear your thoughts and welcome your feedback on how we can improve and/or include other areas of interest to you: Please email: Requests@Energy-Efficiency.com
Thank You:
- Energy@Work