Energy@Work’s April newsletter, featuring industry news and updates, is now available. Scroll down to view April’s newsletter articles. You can also stay connected by clicking the button below to subscribe to our monthly updates.
Embracing Operational Fundamentals in Today's Commercial Office Environment
A few years ago, the corporate landscape was abuzz with high-cost strategies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. The practicality of these approaches often went unquestioned in many circles, while others opted for them primarily for their marketing appeal, rather than investing in real and sustainable improvements.
Having witnessed the roller coaster highs and lows of the Triple Bottom Line and the Ontario Green Plan, Energy@Work has remained steadfast in our focus on results. Our commitment to generating sustainable savings and environmental improvements has only been strengthened, driven by the growing urgency for action. With our eyes on the horizon and our feet on the ground, we adapt our strategies to align with the practical realities of our clients' diverse needs.
We utilize tools such as PESTEL analysis to gain insights and tailor decarbonization strategies, especially in the short term. Crafting a strategy that considers factors like vacancies, interest rates, capital constraints, and incentive programs encourages proactive measures for achieving sustainable outcomes.
Sustainability is a non-negotiable outcome for every organization, with the pace of adoption as a key variable across industries. Maximizing energy efficiency remains the crucial first step in any strategy—a concept powerfully captured in the classic IBM green ad:
Stop Talking: Where do I sign?
Ready to act?
Sustainability isn't a buzzword—it's a necessary paradigm shift in how we think about and engage together for our world, today and tomorrow. If you're ready to go beyond talk to tangible action, reach out to us. Let's make a difference together.
For more information email: Requests@Energy-Efficiency.com
Congratulations to Gabriela Guinzani on Achieving a PMVA-A Designation!
Energy@Work is proud to congratulate Gabriela Guinzani, Energy Analyst, on achieving her PMVA-A Designation!
The Performance Measurement and Verification Analyst (PMVA) designation is a certification offered by the Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO).
Having a PMVA designation signifies that an individual has the expertise to apply performance measurement and verification concepts to energy efficiency projects. Individuals with this designation possess demonstrated capabilities in measurement and verification, including a solid understanding of applying the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) to determine savings.
Congratulations, Gabriela!
Recognizing Achievement: 2024 AEEGTA Wrench of the Year Awards
Congratulations to all the 2023 AEEGTA Wrench of the Year Award Winners!
We would like to extend our congratulations to the passionate individuals recognized at the AEEGTA Annual Awards and Networking Night held last Wednesday, April 24th.
We had a great time celebrating the Wrench of Year Award winners at the awards ceremony!
Each year, the Association of Energy Engineers Greater Toronto Area (AEEGTA) acknowledges outstanding individuals and companies that “best exemplify the spirit of hard work, hands-on responsibility, and determination.”
https://www.aeegta.org/awards
We are proud to share that among the winners were some exceptional individuals and organizations that Energy@Work had the privilege to nominate and collaborate with.
We would like to make a special mention to:
DREAM Corporation - Winner of the Corporate Energy Management Award: for their efforts to develop and maintain a comprehensive energy management program to maximize energy efficiency.
Tony Kopteridis - Winner of the Wrench of the Year Award: For his direct contribution to the implementation of the Energy Management Plan (E-MAP), a project that aims to implement on-going improvements in reducing utility consumption without compromising safety or tenant comfort.
Michael Parman - Winner of the Wrench of the Year Award: For his direct contribution to the implementation of the Energy Management Plan (E-MAP), a project that aims to implement on-going improvements in reducing utility consumption without compromising safety or tenant comfort.
Once again, congratulations to all the winners! Your achievements are an inspiration to us all.
Insights from Scott Rouse on REMI Network's "Industry Insights" Podcast
Click Here to Watch the Video Podcast Episode!
REMI Network's 2023 "Industry Insights" video podcast series featured Energy@Work’s Managing Partner, Scott Rouse. Although this episode originally aired on September 18, 2023, its insights continue to resonate today.
In this episode, Scott shared valuable insights on enhancing business performance through Economic Prosperity, Environmental Performance, and Social Responsibility.
Additionally, he also discusses Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx), a systematic process for ensuring that existing buildings operate efficiently and effectively. EBCx involves four key steps: planning, investigation, implementation, and persistence.
The insights shared by Scott remain as relevant and impactful as ever. His dedication to driving meaningful change within the industry continues to inspire and empower businesses to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.
On a similar note! – If you are interested in discovering opportunities to enhance efficiency in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs)
Join us on May 7th, 2024, as industry experts Scott Rouse and Stephen Dixon share invaluable insights that can revolutionize your approach to operational optimization. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to hear compelling case studies validating the effectiveness of RETScreen from guest speakers Benjamin Calma and Chris Shilton.
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Click here to register!
Climate, Carbon, and Sustainability Regulations: What can we expect to see 2024 to 2026?
“The sustainability train is on the tracks, it’s just a matter of how quickly it will reach its destination”
Municipally
The City of Toronto (CoT) created by-law 367 on December 15th, 2023, which comes into effect this year. Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) is required for buildings over 50,000 sqft and is similar to the Ministry of Energy (MoE) O. Reg 506/18. The difference is the penalty for not reporting that is in place. However, it is unlikely to be implemented for the next several years.
The CoT is also monitoring other jurisdictions, such as the City of New York’s by-law 97:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/sustainablebuildings/ll97/local-law-97.page
We are expecting to see more changes as the CoT Net Zero target by 2040 approaches.
In 2024:
April 25th: Energy@Work provided a webinar for the City of Toronto on our experiences reporting and the value it brings. A recording of the presentation will be included in our newsletter when it becomes available.
Concurrently certifying over 100 buildings to meet both city and municipal mandates (Ontario O.Reg 506/18 and Toronto’s By-Law 367)
Provincially
Ontario’ EWRB survived the Conservative’s repeal of the 2009 Green Energy Act and EWRB was transferred as Ont. Reg. 506/18 under the Electricity Act, January 1, 2019. This year, large buildings over 50,000 sqft must report energy and water by July 1st. In addition, Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) was transferred from the utilities to the IESO with significant program cuts on March 19th, 2019.
Both are great examples of how government policy changes can impact energy management and conservation efforts.
We are not anticipating significant changes in the next several years from the provincial government with an election set for June 2026.
Federally
The federal government target of Net Zero by 2050 has resulted in several program changes. The most significant being:
The Carbon Tax has become very controversial.
Funding envelopes to help companies achieve carbon reductions.
The Liberals and New Democrats have agreed on an alliance that is tenuous but will probably hold until the next federal election scheduled for October 2025. It is therefore unlikely to see a significant change that would affect the commercial sector.
Private sector response
Peer pressure and competition are most likely to have the biggest impact as companies work to better position themselves. Carbon and cost reduction have been significant drivers through operational improvements vs capital because of high costs and interest rates. An Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) that targets reductions are in demand, providing they can demonstrate results.
We would love to keep this conversation going! If you have any questions or comments on the above, or if you see things changing in other ways, we’d love to hear from you!
Reach out at requests@energy-efficiency.com
IESO's Analysis of the April 8th Solar Eclipse
On April 8th, 2024, Toronto was able to witness a rare solar eclipse, drawing attention from enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.
This event, known as a total solar eclipse, occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow over the Earth. This event certainly piqued the interest of many, presenting an opportunity to open discussions on how our energy systems function and respond to extraordinary circumstances.
The solar eclipse not only provided a celestial spectacle but also had tangible effects on our electricity grid. During the eclipse, there was a significant change in electricity demand, with solar generation output dropping by about 1,600 MW (distribution and transmission-connected solar). This decrease in solar output highlights the importance of diverse energy sources and the challenges associated with relying heavily on solar energy.
Although rare, events like the eclipse demonstrated a need for grid resilience and flexibility, integrate diverse energy sources, enhance energy storage solutions, and initiate long-term planning. The IESO's update on the event highlighted that 1,600 MW represents a scenario where a significant proportion of Ontario’s solar generation capacity is temporarily offline due to the eclipse.
Education and awareness remain paramount to understand the importance of energy resilience and the role that each individual and business can play in achieving it. By increasing public knowledge of how energy systems work, particularly the challenges associated with renewable energy integration, we can foster a more informed populace that supports necessary investments and innovations in the energy sector.
March’s Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.80 Billion
In March 2024, GA cost was $0.80 billion. This is a 24% increase from February 2024 GA of $0.64 billion.
If we compare March 2024 with March 2023, there was a 4% decrease (it was $0.83 billion).
The Class B March GA rate was $81.71/MWh ($0.082/kWh)
The Average HOEP for March was $28.9/MWh ($0.029/kWh
With these drastic monthly swings in cost, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”.
We provide a monthly review of GAM costs, however, the reason for the cost as well as the vast cost fluctuation remains a mystery.
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: Multi-Residential Use of RETScreen! May 7th Workshop Supported by NRCan’s RETScreen
Unlock Efficiency in Multi-Residential Sector with RETScreen!
Discover the hidden efficiency potential within multi-residential buildings!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 7th for this enlightening session supported by NRCan’s RETScreen. It was a great opportunity to delve into the hidden efficiency potential within multi-residential buildings.
Click here to watch the recording!
During this engaging 60-minute workshop, industry experts Scott Rouse from Energy@Work and Stephen Dixon from KnowEnergy, shared insights in operational optimization using RETScreen. Additionally, guest speakers Benjamin Calma of InterRent and Chris Shilton from City Housing, Hamilton, presented compelling case studies validating the effectiveness of RETScreen.
Workshop Highlights:
Learn from Scott Rouse, as he shares insights gleaned from inputting data from over 800 buildings into the provincial database. Discover how the insights gathered can translate into tangible savings and increased asset value for multi-residential buildings.
Stephen Dixon demonstrates how RETScreen provides invaluable energy insights for optimizing operations.
Case studies validating the effectiveness of RETScreen in real-world scenarios.
Featured Speakers:
