Transforming Transit: Ontario's 'One Fare' is a Step in the Right Direction

In a move towards a more connected and cost-effective transit future, Ontario launched the "One Fare" initiative on February 26, 2024. This program aims not only to save money for transit riders but also to enhance the overall transit experience by promoting connectivity and sustainability.

This program is anticipated to foster over eight million new rides annually, particularly benefiting students, seniors, and commuters relying on GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of encouraging more people to opt for public transportation, not only saving on individual expenses but also actively contributing to energy conservation as transportation is the 2nd biggest GHG emitter in urban areas!

At Energy@Work, we take great pride in being strong advocates for cycling. Named Toronto’s bike friendliest business, we won in the “Best Overall” category for 2 consecutive years. We offer bike passes to utilize Toronto’s City bikes and keep a spare bike in our office for employees to use at their discretion. We have worked with Downtown BIA to circulate the following booklet “Take Your Gym to Work” and continue to leave our cars at home when possible.

The Energy@Work team will continue to opt for public transit, when feasible, and will continue encouraging the use of alternative transportation to reduce the use of personal vehicles!

Click here for more information on the one fare program  


January’s Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.51 Billion

In January 2024, GA cost was $0.51 billion. This is a 25% decrease from December 2023 GA of $0.69 billion.

If we compare January 2024 with January 2023, there was an 11% decrease (it was $0.58 billion).

The Class B January rate was $45.88/MWh ($0.046/kWh)

The Average HOEP for January was $43.3/MWh ($0.043/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 vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.

Energy@Work’s services include 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.


Monthly Feature: Data Is the New Oil, When Refined! Join Us on March 7th for a Workshop Supported by NRCan’s RETScreen

Data: The new oil, when refined, and RETScreen is the refinery.

March 7th, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Interest in Smart Grid, Green Button, Energy Management, etc. – starts with the DATA.

Join us for dynamic 90-minute workshop supported by NRCan’s RETScreen. At this event, we'll answer the question:
“How does refining utility interval data provide valuable insights?” We’ll explore the perspectives of: Utilities, Customers, and Service Providers.

Event Highlights:

  • Utility Perspective: Explore how raw interval data can unveil crucial insights for energy use. Learn how tools like RETScreen can reveal energy profiles, empowering utilities to better serve their customers and optimize their own operations.

  • Customer Perspective: Gain a deeper understanding of your plant or facility's performance and the reasons behind it. Dive into topics like base load analysis and harness the power of RETScreen's new features to decipher energy profiles, assess operational impacts, and track carbon emissions.

  • Service Provider Perspective: Discover how third-party providers leverage RETScreen’s advanced features to support Measurement and Verification, ESG reporting, Net Zero initiatives, and energy efficiency programs.

Featured Speakers:


January Newsletter: News and Views

Energy@Work’s January newsletter, featuring industry news and updates, is now available. Click below to view January’s newsletter articles. You can also stay connected by clicking here to subscribe to our monthly updates.


December Newsletter: News and Views

Energy@Work’s December newsletter, featuring industry news and updates, is now available. Click below to view December’s newsletter articles. You can also stay connected by clicking here to subscribe to our monthly updates.


COP28 Summit Concluded December 13th:

“the pace and scale of deployment of renewables and energy efficiency must increase”

World leaders have adopted a draft decision after intense negotiations at COP28, focusing on climate priorities.

COP28 featured a record attendance, significant funding commitments, and various pledges, including those related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and methane reduction.


What does this mean for 2024?
Now, more than ever, there is a pressing demand for energy efficiency, a goal best achieved through the implementation of an Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP). E-MAPs serve as a strategic roadmap for optimizing energy usage in your building, helping you align your climate objectives with global trends.

The average Ontario Energy Use Intensity (EUI) for commercial offices is around 25 ekWh/sqft.yr. However, in our database, we are seeing around 20 ekWh/sqft – 25% better. Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO) IPMVP Guidelines were used to prepare the Measurement and Verification (M&V) Plan.

This means that Energy Efficiency continues to offer a major opportunity to reduce cost, respond to environmental pressures and increase asset value: The perfect ESG response.

Consider what is available:


Consider what is available:
-    Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) incentives are available through Save on Energy. Energy@Work, as authorized Commissioning Professionals, can help get you started. 
-    For precise monitoring and goal targeting, we highly recommend utilizing RETScreen's latest software release, V9.1.
-    Notably, Toronto Bylaw 367 mandates energy and water use reporting for buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet: Deadline July 1st, 2024.
Energy@Work can serve as your licensed professional to assist with compliance.

Energy@Work is here to help. Whether it’s developing your ESG strategy, exploring EBCx or starting your Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP), feel free to contact us to get started or to accelerate your success! 


EVO Released a White Paper Offering Guidance on Measuring and Monitoring Decarbonization in Energy Efficiency Investments for Financial Institutions

Amongst the methodologies is the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP)- The “world’s paramount M&V protocol”

Decarbonization is increasingly vital in the fight against climate change, encompassing the adoption of energy-efficient measures, strategic planning, and equipment upgrades. Financial institutions are under growing pressure to align with climate-related recommendations and initiatives, compelled by societal demands and regulatory mandates. Decarbonization not only aids in achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets but also facilitates compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, making institutions more appealing to investors and aligned with global sustainability objectives.

Accurately assessing energy savings and emissions reductions is paramount for measuring and verifying the impact of decarbonization, instilling confidence in reported data and enabling effective risk management. EVO's newly released white paper, titled "What Financial Institutions Need to Consider for Measuring and Monitoring the Decarbonization Impact of Energy Efficiency Loans," provides guidance for financial institutions on measuring decarbonization in energy efficiency investments, protocol selection, and the significance of monitoring the climate change impact in loan operations.

Among the methods highlighted is EVO's IPMVP protocols. Energy@Work has had a great experience using IPMVP’s M&V protocols and can attest to the effectiveness. Notably, during the pandemic, we were able to quantify 16,000,000 kWh in savings, which were verified by the Toronto Hydro Electric System.


Newly Released! Empower Your Climate Conversations with CBC News: Climate Glossary

When delving into the topics of climate change, sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), the terminology and acronyms can feel as unfamiliar as a foreign language. To assist in deciphering the jargon associated with climate discussions, the CBC News website has introduced a comprehensive glossary. This resource is designed to facilitate a smoother understanding of the concepts and terms involved in these critical subjects.

Check out the glossary here!


6th Annual Holiday Challenge: Stay Tuned for Results in 2024!

Energy@Work’s 6th annual holiday challenge is under way! This challenge presents the opportunity to discover how much energy can be conserved over the holiday period. Operations and tenants can work together and save energy since offices typically have a much lower occupancy over the holidays, which presents the opportunity to cut waste, see help from our Energy@Work elf.

Common areas of opportunity include:

  • plug load or what is commonly called “Phantom Power”
    - this is a huge waste!

  • systems continuing to run when not needed,

  • lights, particularly accent and interior lobby lighting,

  • TV screens and monitors have off switches which are rarely used in lieu of standby mode,

  • exercise equipment “in the ready mode’ but sitting idle.

This year’s challenge will take place:
6:00 PM Friday, December 22nd, 2023
to
6:00 AM Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024

Questions can be directed to: HolidayChallenge@energy-efficiency.com

We’re looking forward to seeing what savings were achieved
- stay tuned for the January 2024 “News and Views” for results!