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May Newsletter: News and Views

Through the IESO, Energy@Work has been approved as an Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) provider! We are excited to be able to implement projects through the 2023 EBCx incentive program, expected in June 2023.

Why?

  • EBCx offers clients an opportunity to achieve utility savings through a proven process which, NRCan suggests, can result in savings between 8 to 15%

  • The EBCx program is unique by offering upfront funding as well as

    •  incentive to reduce electricity use, and

    • an incentive to sustain savings

  • EBCx uses NRCan’s 4-Phase approach that goes beyond trial and error to uncover root cause issues

Interested in sustained savings to support Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives?
Get in touch with us through Requests@Energy-Efficiency.com or 
learn more from our web site www.Energy-Efficiency.com 
Energy@Work is committed to helping operationalize ESG through proven programs that yield results that can be Measured and Verified (M&V) to Efficiency Valuation Organization’s (EVO) IPMVP.

Information on the EBCx program is available from the IESO website:
https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Existing-Building-Commissioning-Program


Energy@Work presented at the BOMA Toronto Global Adjustment (GA) workshop on April 28th. The workshop outlined the intricacies of the GA and the importance in making the right decision on June 15th as well as the second decision on June 16th.

The June 15th GA decision is for Ontario electricity customers that have an average monthly demand over 1,000 kW to determine their GA rate structure for the upcoming year, i.e., Decision #1!

The next decision is to decide what strategy is needed to maximize saving, i.e., Decision #2. 

June 15th has 2 Options:
To be billed as Class A, based on the building’s Peak Demand Factor (pdf) 
To be billed as Class B, based on fixed monthly $/kWh rate
The workshop recording is available online if you missed it:

The decision is not automatic and should be thought out carefully. It is essential to notify your local distribution company of your decision on June 15th if you want to be billed Class A. 

The best option depends on:
i) historical consumption and demand profiles, as well as
ii) predicted electricity use
The right choice can be the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Contact Energy@Work to Help with Your June 15th Decision and Strategy for the Year!


The IETC conference, held this year in Houston, Texas, is a great opportunity for industries leaders to meet and connect with each other.


Topics include innovative technologies, smart manufacturing, corporate energy management, energy monitoring and analysis. Case studies are shared for successful, real-world efficiency projects. Energy@Work has been a program advisor for over 10 years and speaks highly of the program and the speakers, who share their real-world experience.

Energy@Work’s Scott Rouse will present on two important topics:

1. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

The importance of operationalizing ESG through Energy Efficiency, as well as avoiding Greenwashing accusations through proper Measurement and Verification, such as Efficiency Valuation Organization’s (EVO) IPMVP.

2. Lesson Learned from a successful Treasure Hunt

Energy@Work arranged a treasure hunt to identify energy efficiency measures. Facility staff were engaged in reviewing their operations after analyzing utility use with suggested best practices. The result was the identification of savings valued at $170,000, largely through operational activities.  Funding was also arranged.

The IETC is a great conference for energy managers and registration is open- we’d love to see you there:


Awareness surrounding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has grown exponentially in the last several years. Now a new obstacle stands in the way of developing an ESG strategy- anti-ESG backlash.

In early May, Florida’s governor, Ron De Santis, signed a bill that bans the investment of state funds into ESG. ESG bonds are also banned. De Santis claims the focus should be on maximizing returns rather than a focus on climate change and corporate diversity, ignoring the correlation between ESG and capital investment success. Ratings agencies expressed worry for the future, as weather and climate risks can no longer be accounted for- especially prevalent in Floridian areas that are hurricane-prone.

In light of this disheartening report, Energy@Work spoke with Sara Keyes, CEO of ESG Global Advisors, to get her take:
”Institutional investors are focused on policy – not politics. Companies need to pay attention to their current and prospective investors’ requests for ESG information as they believe it impacts their long-term risk-adjusted portfolio returns. The reason long-term investors, such as pensions, are focused on ESG risks and opportunities is to maximize risk-adjusted returns – therefore the rhetoric that ESG investing is ‘woke capitalism’ simply does not hold when you look under the hood of these investment strategies.”

When done properly, meaning with verifiable results disclosed, an ESG strategy has proven to have an excellent return on investment, as was highlighted in MarketWatch’s December article:
“Infosys research found that a 10-percentage-point increase in ESG spending correlated to a 1-percentage-point increase in profit growth. This occurred relatively quickly: 41% of respondents surveyed said they experienced a return on their ESG investment within a two- to three-year window.”
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/climate-change-and-diversity-efforts-are-profitable-report-says-heres-how-much-11670616651


Under the Reporting of Energy Consumption and Water Use regulation, buildings over 50,000 SqFt are required, by law, to report. Report your building’s annual energy and water use to comply with O.Reg 506/18. More importantly, EWRB offers the benefits from benchmarking and knowing your consumption.

Energy and water is a significant and controllable operating cost. Reporting provides an opportunity to identify opportunities for energy efficiency, track usage and compare how your building stacks up to similar buildings.

Contact Energy@Work to assist with your 2023 EWRB reporting!


In April 2023, GA cost was $0.87 billion. This is a 6% increase from March 2023 GA ($0.830 billion) and a 6% increase comparing April 2023 with February 2023 GA ($0.825 billion).

If we compare April 2023 with April 2022, there was a 20% increase.

If we compare March 2023 ($0.830 billion) with March 2022 ($0.616 billion) a 35% increase!

With drastic GA cost changes monthly, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”. We provide a monthly review of GAM costs however the reason for the vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.

Energy@Work’s services includes a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B to win the (GAM)e.
Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.


BOMA Toronto’s annual COE Gala took place on May 25th, 2023. The gala recognizes industry leaders and properties that achieved BOMA BEST certification.

Awards were given to those that demonstrated excellence in the following categories:

  • Earth Hour Weekend Challenge Awards 

  • Earth Awards

  • Pinnacle Awards  

  • Certificates of Excellence 

  • TOBY Awards

We would like to make special mention to:

Congratulations to all winners! Recognition for your efforts is well deserved!


Top Safety Tips for bicyclists and motorists:

  • Never ride or drive distracted.

  • Always expect the unexpected.

  • Always wear a bicycle helmet when on a bicycle and a seat belt when in a vehicle.

  • Know the Rules of the Road - A bicyclist is considered a vehicle on the road with all the rights and responsibilities of motorized traffic.

  • Share the Road - Both motorist and bicyclist should look out for each other and show mutual respect.
    + Lock up your bike!

As a 2-time winner of the Toronto Bicycle Friendly Business award, we are passionate about cycling- and safety is always #1!


April Newsletter: News and Views

BOMA 4.0 has officially launched!
 
The new certification portal brings with it many changes. The most fundamental is the introduction of 2 portal streams: BOMA BEST Sustainable and BOMA BEST Smart.
 
The Sustainable Stream “A practical approach to making building operations more sustainable.”
The sustainable stream has more similarities with BOMA BEST 3.0. The aim is to provide a framework and road map to support environmental performance, management, decarbonization, retrofits, engagement, and equity.

The Smart Stream “Using technology to optimize the building experience.”
 
The smart stream is a new addition to allow technological innovation to play a key role. The aim of the smart stream is to allow digital advancements and transformation that enables automated analytics and sharing information between systems, supported by technology.

For more information, the BOMA BEST 4.0 portal has been fully launched and provides many resources to become familiar with the new changes.
https://bomabesthub.com/Login
 
What does this mean for existing BOMA BEST applications?

Buildings registered prior to March 31st, 2023, can continue with their BOMA BEST 3.0 portfolio. These verification requests must be submitted by September 30th, 2023.

Energy@Work is looking forward to exploring version 4.0 and the practical changes that align with carbon reduction goals and promote more engagement within the building.


The 10th annual Earth Hour Challenge has wrapped up and the results are coming in!

239 participants took on the challenge of reducing their properties energy use over the Earth Hour weekend. The participants achieved amazing results with an average reduction of 10%!

Energy
@Work has acted as advisors since the challenge’s inception in 2013. It aligns with the “People” of our 3 P’s philosophy- People, Process and Products. The challenge brings management, operations, and occupants together to optimize building efficiency!

The Earth Hour Weekend Challenge is a great opportunity to review building operations and discover opportunities to reduce year-round!

Energy@Work is reviewing the challenge results with BOMA Toronto!

We are looking forward to celebrating with the winners at the BOMA Toronto’s Celebration of Excellence Awards Gala on May 25th!


The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has announced that the new Time of Use (TOU) and the Change in the Tiered threshold for residential customers under the OEB’s Regulated Price Plan will take effect on May 1st, 2023. The electricity prices for both remain unchanged and these prices will be in effect until October 31st, 2023.

Also arriving May 1st is the Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) price plan for RESIDENTIAL customers only.

This plan involves 4 price periods, the overnight period being “Ultra-Low” cost. Utilities (that are ready to do so) can begin offering their residential and small business customers the ULO price plan. By November 1, 2023, ULO price plan options will be a requirement from all utilities.

“Just like TOU pricing, with ULO, the price depends on when customers use electricity. This means customers can help manage their electricity costs by shifting their usage to lower price periods when possible.”
https://www.oeb.ca/newsroom/2023/summer-hours-and-new-price-plan-coming-may-1


Report your building’s annual energy and water use to comply with O.Reg 506/18. Under the Reporting of Energy Consumption and Water Use regulation, buildings over 50,000 SqFt are required to report.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-energy-water-use-large-buildings#section-3
 
Energy and water make up some of the largest operating costs in a building. Reporting provides an opportunity to identify opportunities for energy efficiency, track usage and compare how your building stacks up to similar buildings.

Energy@Work has submitted close to 700 submissions and as a Licensed professional, also provide additional information and support.
Contact Energy@Work to assist with your 2023 EWRB reporting!


Toronto Hydro wants to know what you think.

Click the button below to access the survey, enter your Toronto Hydro Account Number and complete the survey for a chance to win free electricity for a year!

10 submissions will be selected as winners!


RED columns represent summer months (June, July, August and September) 
BLUE is shoulder and winter months.

In March 2023, GA cost was $0.830 billion. This is a 1% increase from February 2023 GA ($0.825 billion) and a 43% increase comparing March 2023 with January 2023 GA ($0.579 billion).

If we compare March 2023 ($0.830 billion) with March 2022 ($0.616 billion) a 35% increase!

With drastic cost changes monthly, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”. We provide a monthly review of GAM costs however the reason for the vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.

Energy@Work’s services includes a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.

Don’t forget to join us April 28th at the BOMA GA Webinar!


Click the image below to watch our quick video that explains EWRB:

Join us at BOMA’s 2023 Global Adjustment workshop on April 28th to learn what factors should affect your June 15th GAM decision to become a Class A or Class B building and how to proceed following your decision.



Energy@Work's April Newsletter

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In March 2020, Energy@Work compared weekend electricity use, pre and post COVID, across 131 commercial offices as part of our annual Beyond Earth Hour Challenge for BOMA Toronto.

We were surprised to see only an 11% average electricity reduction despite the 90%+ occupancy reduction. 

  • This led to a series of BOMA workshops exploring electricity use during the heating and cooling seasons across 33 commercial offices, all of which are enrolled in a monthly Energy Management Action Plan, targeting, and achieving utility improvements.

  • The series concluded with a summary of HVAC best practices based on ASHRAE suggestions as well as from other credible sources.

  • This effort prompted the above self-assessment tool and guide with support from NRCan and technical experience from Michel Parent, Technosim.

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When we started to work on this tool, ASHRAE’s position on HVAC airborne transmission was:
“sufficiently likely”

However, on April 5th, 2021 ASHRAE revised their position to say:

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The Tool can be downloaded for free off the NRCan website: NRCan HVAC Self-Assessment Tool (pdf)

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If you have questions, comments or concerns – please feel free to reach out to us.


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Join Energy@Work in celebrating Earth Day: April 22nd, 2021!

This year, Earth Day provides a special opportunity to look back on how the world has changed during the pandemic. We realize that we are all in this together and must work together. Now is the time to look at how we can have an impact on climate change as we move into the “new normal”.

Together, we can prevent the coming disasters of climate change and environmental destruction. Together, we can Restore Our Earth”

There are virtual events taking place all over the world, in many languages and for all age ranges! Take a look and register for an event here: Earth Day 2021

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A new opportunity to improve efficiency is available through a carbon price of $170/ Tonne by 2030. The government plans to increase the carbon price by $15/Tonne annually, beginning in 2023. This will act as a catalyst in helping change behaviour and reduce carbon.

Although controversial, there is now a Carbon Price that can help bring us together in solving the climate challenge. We have clear and increasing evidence that climate change is real. Most of us have seen evidence, in our own lifetime, of these changes. For instance, the abandoned chairlift pole from the “ski hill” on the south side of Lawrence, east of the Don Valley Parkway, is still visible.

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  • Do we need to drive to the store, or can we walk or take a bike?

  • Taking our own reusable bag eliminates the need for plastic bags.

  • Reusable water bottles ensure that we stay hydrated without needing to purchase plastic water bottles.

  • Our favourite, being energy efficiency geeks, is turning off the lights when it is not needed and is one of the reasons, we support the holiday challenge as well as Beyond Earth Hour Challenge with BOMA Toronto.

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1) Take your Gym to work:
Together, with the downtown BIA, we look at the benefits of cycling, with safety tips

2) Eliminate Phantom Power:
This short video shares how an extra minute can help reduce the electricity that is wasted by offering no practical value

3) Business Case:
IBM- this classic video demonstrates how energy efficiency and good business can be one and the same


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March GAM cost is $0.894 billion. This is an 80% increase from February’s GAM ($0.498 billion).
 
Mark your calendars, BOMA Toronto is hosting its annual Global Adjustment (GA) Workshop on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 to address the largest charge on your monthly electricity bill. Registration available soon

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Energy@Work is speaking at the workshop and will address the importance of the 2 Decisions:
Decision #1: To be Class A or B on June 15th and need to advise the utility
Decision #2: What is your plan going forward as a Class A or B account, aka what is your strategy?

Contact us at requests@energy-efficiency.com for more information.

GAM costs are largely Nuclear (OPG and non-OPG). However, conservation continues to be reported as the reason for GAM when it is less than 3%. Another ‘why?’ question that remains unanswered.

Energy@Work’s services includes a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of developing a GAM Strategy for either Class A or Class B to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings by choosing the appropriate strategy is well over $10 million.

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The AEEGTA Wrench of the Year award acknowledges and celebrates the individuals that best exemplify the spirit of hard work, hands-on responsibility, and determination that results in the successful implementation of an energy efficiency project.

The award specifically rewards on-site facility personnel that are often overlooked in major efficiency projects but whose hard work and attention are key to successful project implementation.

Our Congratulations goes out to James Hrenyk, 2020 Recipient of the AEEGTA Wrench Award. James’ efforts at 4711 Yonge Street, Managed by Menkes Property Management was significant. James’s openness to new ideas and using best practices were tested during the monthly Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) meetings. This resulted in positive impacts that were recorded and reported, and electricity savings were verified by Toronto Hydro.

James was excellent to work with and a true example of going above and beyond for efficiency projects! For example, James volunteered to ‘BETA Test’ NRCan HVAC Self-assessment tool to provide us valuable insights and suggestions– thank you and congratulations James!


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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 or include other areas of interest to you: Please email: Requests@Energy-Efficiency.com

Thank You:
-
Energy@Work


Holiday Challenge: Tips and Tricks

Good luck in the 2019 Holiday Challenge!

Challenge Date: December 20th, 2019 to January 6th, 2020

Here are some tips to help you slay phantom power this holiday season:

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  • Big screen TV’s are the biggest culprit, ensure they are OFF

  • Don’t use a screen saver, instead, unplug your computer or monitor

  • Switch off lights

  • Unplug kitchen appliances (toaster, coffee maker, kettle)

  • Use a self-timed power bar to group together electronics and have them automatically shut down- for effortless savings

  • Unplug chargers for cellphones and tablets

  • Unplug/dispose of unnecessary electronics (extra fridge, photocopier/printer)

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like more tips on slaying phantom power!