Region of Durham launches the Durham Greener Buildings Program

Whitby, Ontario – Yesterday, the Regional Municipality of Durham, in partnership with Windfall Ecology Centre, launched the Durham Greener Buildings Program – a groundbreaking 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 per cent, 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. Additionally, more than 600 public sector buildings are expected to enroll in the program.

Durham Greener Buildings also 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 behavioral practices.

Durham Region has partnered with Windfall Ecology Centre to administer the program and collect information from buildings across the region. Windfall is a non-profit organization with decades of on-the-ground experience delivering home energy retrofits. The Durham Greener Buildings Program is part of the 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.

For more information and to learn more, visit DurhamGreenerBuildings.ca.  

Quotes:

“Commercial buildings across Durham Region consume a significant amount of energy and are responsible for close to a third of all Durham’s greenhouse gas emissions. Durham Greener Buildings is a transformative program that 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.”
-John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, The Regional Municipality of Durham

“Benchmarking and disclosure programs are effective tools in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. 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.”
-Brent R. Kopperson, Founder and Executive Director, Windfall Ecology Centre

Quick Facts

• With Durham Regional Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, Durham Region joined the Government of Canada and more than 600 Canadian municipalities who have declared climate emergencies. Most of these organizations are implementing programs to help reduce their contribution to global carbon emissions. Since declaring a climate emergency on January 9, 2020, Durham Region has taken important steps to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient community.
• The Durham Community Energy Plan identifies programs that will allow Durham to reach its long-term GHG emissions reduction target while making Durham an even better place to live, work and play.
• Durham Region also offers the Durham Greener Homes Program, designed to help homeowners in the region overcome the challenges of completing energy retrofits by providing support throughout the home retrofit journey. Find out more about the Durham Greener Homes Program at DurhamGreenerBuildings.ca.

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.