August Newsletter: News and Views


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Energy@Work contributed through the “Professional Interest” stream. We invite you to read our submission and welcome your feedback!

“We at Energy@Work support positive actions that contribute to GHG reductions because we know that by working together, we can make a difference, and there’s no time to wait. For example, our clients achieved savings of over 16,000,000 kWh, as verified by Toronto Hydro. This was achieved through:

People:               Making choices that made a difference

Process:              Ensuring a process is in place to connect the moving parts

Products:            Investing so the right person has the right information and at the right time.

As we applaud Canada’s commitment, we also want to see prudent and coordinated investments. Investing money without proper Measurement and Verification (M&V) of the results is worse than a waste, it erodes confidence. We must avoid “Greenwashing”. With increased awareness of the importance of climate action, some are launching a PR campaign, rather than enacting real change. The private sector has an essential role to play in achieving GHG reduction. Through energy efficiency, we see great examples where wasteful practices are being replaced.


Similar to the private sector, we would like to see the Canadian Government lead by example through innovative practices, such as:

  • Not renting office space unless the building’s Energy Star Score is 75 or better

  • Ensuring organizations, such as Efficiency Valuation Organization’s (EVO) M&V guidelines are followed.

  • Ensuring investments are made for Canadians and by Canadians”

Visit: https://www.rncanengagenrcan.ca/en/collections/canada-green-buildings-strategy#participate for more information

It is important that you have your say, privately and professionally.


As part of their 2022 commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 62% by 2040, the city of Chicago is purchasing:

  1. 593 Megawatts of renewable electricity from a solar farm

  2. Renewable Energy Credits (REC)

This is for municipally owned facilities and is projected to be complete by 2025!

Airports, the Harold Washington Library Center and the Jardine Water Purification Plan’s energy will transition to solar energy through the Double Black Diamond Solar project, (593 megawatts). This will be the largest solar project in the state of Illinois.

The city will also purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset the remaining electricity used in other city buildings and streetlights.

Through this initiative, Chicago plans to reduce its carbon footprint by over 290,000 metric tons per year. This is an encouraging development, and we hope to see similar initiatives closer to home as we follow paths toward climate action goals.

Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, said:
“I am incredibly proud to advance this commitment to transitioning all city operations to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. The signing of this agreement demonstrates that the City of Chicago is leading by example and driving high-impact climate action, building the clean energy workforce of the future, and equitably distributing meaningful benefits to foster the local clean energy economy for all.”
Source: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2022/august/Purchase100PercentCleanRenewableEnergy2025.html

We believe that with increasing support and understanding of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), there will be an exiting time ahead for creative and innovative greenhouse gas reduction solutions!


Energy Efficiency Day aims to spread awareness of the importance of Energy Efficiency. Energy Efficiency is the easiest, least expensive energy saving method. It includes turning electronics off when they’re not in use, adjusting your thermostat to reduce you’re AC or heating use, using public transit or a bicycle or closing blinds in unoccupied rooms to keep them cool. The time for climate action is now and there are many ways to get involved.

Visit www.energyefficiencyday.org for more information and check out some tips including How to Save Energy on Your Next Bill and Hot Summer Tips to Save Energy!

October 5, 2022, is Energy Efficiency Day but efficiency is year-round!


July 2022 GA cost is $0.43 billion. This is a 43% decrease from June 2022 GA. Energy@Work provides a regular review of GAM costs and continues to ask “why?”

Beginnning July 2022, Class A customers can impact their Peak Demand Factor (PDF) that will be used for the July 2023- June 2024 adjustment period.

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


Scott Rouse and fellow panelists will discuss Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) on September 14th, 10:30-11:30AM, 2022.

Unlocking the key to success through the 3 P's: People, Process, and Products. Demonstrated results across 12 property management companies, from Mid-tier to Class B to Triple A properties, shows how effectively this can work. Case studies with three BOMA members sharing their experience through their respective case studies.

We look forward to seeing you there!