Energy@Work’s January newsletter, featuring industry news and updates, is now available. Scroll down to view January’s newsletter articles. You can also stay connected by clicking the button below to subscribe to our monthly updates.
Commercial Buildings Account for a Large Portion of GHG Emissions- Your Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) Provides an Effective Operational Response
The Government of Canada solidified its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which became law on June 29, 2021.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/net-zero-emissions-2050.html
The Climate Risk Institute held a Low Carbon webinar outlining the impact of commercial buildings on GHG emissions. The building sector, identified as the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, contributes to 13% of Canada's total emissions. This figure increases to 18% when considering electricity generation and the additional emissions embedded in building materials and construction supply chains.
For more information, visit the Natural Resources Canada discussion paper here
The appropriate response is to prioritize decarbonization, fostering a low-carbon culture that underscores the construction of net-zero and climate-resilient buildings, alongside the retrofitting of existing building stock.
Energy@Work’s Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) targets economic opportunities through operational and sustainable savings. Every commercial building should have a supported E-MAP with specific utility reduction targets.
Energy@Work’s E-MAP experience spans over 30 years. In reviewing results across sectors, we realized that success comes down to the integration of: People, Process and Products. As a recent example, E-MAP clients saved over the $3.2 Million dollars over 3 years, largely through operational improvements and without compromising safety, tenant comfort or equipment reliability.
Deadline to Register for BOMA's Certificate of Excellence Awards: February 15th, 2024
Planning to recognize your team's dedication to excellence? Don't forget, the deadline for BOMA Certificate of Excellence (COE) registration is February 15.
A Certificate of Excellence is granted to properties that have their BOMA BEST Certification and have achieved a minimum COE score of 70%. Criteria is based on the following categories:
Following your registration, the award submission deadline is March 11, 2024 @ 4PM
The property in each category with the highest COE score is honored as a Local TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) winner. These local winners are then eligible to compete nationally, with the possibility to advance to the International Competition.
Click here for more information on the BOMA Certificate of Excellence Awards
Stay Tuned for the 6th Annual Energy@Work 2023-24 Holiday Challenge Results!
A big thank you to participating buildings in the 2023/24 Energy@Work Holiday Challenge! You have demonstrated your commitment to friendly competition and energy efficiency!
The 6th edition of the challenge took place from Friday, December 22nd, 2023, to Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 and yielded an average 11% savings!
We are analyzing this year's results and we're excited to announce the winner in next month's News and Views- stay tuned!
Questions can be directed to: HolidayChallenge@energy-efficiency.com
Europe is Forcing out False Narratives: New Criteria Will Help to Stop Greenwashing- Can Canada Follow Suit?
In a resounding 593-21 vote, the EU Parliament recently approved the green claims directive, marking a significant step towards fostering transparency and authenticity in the realm of sustainable products.
The directive addresses more accurate and reliable advertising. Product labelling, including sustainability labels, will be required to be clearer and more trustworthy. A focus will also be made on durability. Making producers and consumers focus more on the durability of goods.
“The new rules will also ban unfounded durability claims (for example saying that a washing machine will last for 5,000 washing cycles if this is not true under normal conditions), prompts to replace consumables earlier than strictly necessary (often the case with printer ink, for example), and presenting goods as repairable when they are not.”
Click here for more detailed information on these changes and the green claims directive.
The increasing emphasis on achieving net zero has significantly heightened awareness of the necessity for transparent and precise emission data reporting. With the rise of greenwashing practices, we hope to see these sustainability initiatives and regulatory mandates become universally accepted standards worldwide.
We believe that Canada should take a hard look and consider the same- fake news isn't helping anyone!
December's Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.69 Billion
In December 2023, GA cost was $0.68 billion. This is a 4% increase from November 2023 GA ($0.66 billion) and a 8% decrease comparing December 2023 with October 2023 GA (it was $0.75 billion).
If we compare December 2023 with December 2022, there was a 85% increase (it was $0.370 billion).
Energy@Work’s services include 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.
Monthly Feature: Mark Your Calendars For the February 8th: BOMA Earth Hour Weekend Challenge Webinar!
Join Energy@Work at BOMA's Earth Hour Weekend Challenge Webinar!
The free webinar, taking place February 8th from 9-10:00AM, will outline what to expect at this year's challenge and provide advice on how best to compete!
This year's webinar will feature guest appearances from:
Ryan Ounjian, Dream Unlimited
Jeri McKelvie, Menkes Property Management
The Earth Hour Weekend Challenge engages properties to reduce energy waste over a full weekend and recognizes the greatest reduction at BOMA Toronto’s annual Celebration of Excellence Gala.
Please Join Us In Welcoming the Newest Member of the Energy@Work Family- Liam Kamandlooie!
Congratulations to our Technical Director, Amir Kamandlooie, and his family, on the birth of his son, Liam! We're wishing Amir plenty of rest as he enjoys his first couple of weeks with his family's latest addition!