Durham region launches green buildings program
The Regional Municipality of Durham has launched the Durham Greener Buildings Program – an initiative that will support the building sector in climate action and sustainability.
Durham Greener Buildings is a benchmarking and disclosure program that will support building owners participating in the provincial Energy and Water Reporting Benchmarking (EWRB) program by helping them to measure, report and take action on efficiency and conservation opportunities.
Durham Greener Buildings has set a goal for EWRB program participation of 70 percent, or 450 buildings across Durham Region by 2026. Over three years, these buildings will disclose energy performance data to track usage, identify energy and water efficiency opportunities, and compare usage to similar buildings. More than 600 public sector buildings are also expected to enroll in the program.
“Commercial buildings across consume a significant amount of energy and are responsible for close to a third of all Durham’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Regional Chair and CEO John Henry. “Durham Greener Buildings will support energy awareness by guiding building owners, property managers and tenants to supports that will help them adopt sustainable practices in their commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings. This program is an important step to build more resilient infrastructure and communities that reduce the impacts of climate change and support the transition to a greener Durham.”
Durham Greener Buildings offers an awards and recognition competition to encourage reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings through collaboration, education, and innovation.
The competition is free and open to building owners and property managers who wish to act on climate change while improving bottom lines by implementing responsible energy management operations and behavioural practices.
The program is being administered by Windfall Ecology Centre, which will collect information from buildings across the region.
“Benchmarking and disclosure programs are effective tools in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings,” said Brent Kopperson, Founder and Executive Director, Windfall Ecology Centre. “By making energy performance measurable and visible, local governments can encourage building owners to improve the efficiency of their buildings, which can drive new investment and create an estimated five to 15 green jobs per $1 million invested.”
The program is part of Durham Region’s Community Energy Plan and is a key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and response to Durham Regional Council’s climate emergency declaration.