Landlord-tenant collaboration continues to underpin impressive sustainability gains in Toronto’s commercial real estate sector. While teams are still focused on an electricity-saving target, the race2reduce, sponsored by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Greater Toronto, has now expanded its mandate to include water, gas, solid waste and overarching climate leadership.

The third annual Commercial Real Estate Sustainability Trailblazer (CREST) awards were bestowed in an online ceremony last week to recognize achievers in all categories. They are drawn from the more than 560 buildings, and associated landlord-tenant teams, entered in the 2020 race via their enrollment in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

“The growth that this program has experienced, despite the pandemic is a testament to your efforts and our Industry’s commitment to advance innovation, promote collaboration and share best practices — to drive climate action and leadership,” Susan Allen, president and chief executive officer of BOMA Toronto, told her online audience. “We congratulate all race participants for their commitment and dedication to reducing their carbon footprint and taking climate action.”

This year’s CREST award winners include:

Innovative excellence

• Less than 500,000 square feet: 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto; Organization, 4 Postmedia Place; Manager, Greenrock Commercial Services
• Greater than 500,000 square feet: sf ≥ 500k 155 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Organization & Manager: The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited

Collaborative excellence

• Tenant, less than 500,000 square feet: 250 The Esplanade, Toronto; Organization, Energy@Work Inc.; Manager, Berkeley Castle Investments
• Landlord, less than 500,000 square feet: 4711 Yonge Street, North York, Organizations, Menkes Developments & Menkes Property Management; Manager, HOOPP Realty Inc. Services Ltd.
• Landlord, greater than 500,000 square feet: 18 York Street & 120 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto; Organization & Manager, QuadReal Property Group

Performance Leadership, Gas

• Less than 100,000 square feet: 2900 Warden Avenue, Toronto; Organization, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC); Manager, Jones Lang LaSalle
• 100,000 to 500,000 square feet: 5015 Spectrum Way, Mississauga; Organization & Manager, Triovest Realty Advisors Inc.
• Greater than 500,000 square feet: 777 Guelph Line, Burlington; Organization & Owner, RioCan

Performance Leadership, Electricity

• Less than 100,000 square feet: 185 Griffin St. North, Smithville; Organization, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC); Manager, Jones Lang LaSalle
• 100,000 to 500,000 square feet: 95 Wellington Street West, Toronto; Organization & Manager, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited
• Greater than 500,000 square feet: 200 Front Street West, Toronto; Organization & Manager, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited

Performance Leadership, Water

• Less than 100,000 square feet: 365 March Road, Kanata; Organization & Manager, Morguard
• 100,000 to 500,000 square feet: 87-93 Skyway Avenue East, Toronto; Organization & Manager, Colliers International
• Greater than 500,000 square feet: 1800 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto; Organization & Manager, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited

Performance Leadership, Waste

• Less than 100,000 square feet: 40 Kingston Road East, Ajax; Organization & Manager, RioCan
• 100,000 to 500,000 square feet: 1601 Telesat Court, Ottawa; Organization & Manager, Morguard
• Greater than 500,000 square feet: 750 Lawrence Ave. West, Toronto; Organization, CIBC; Manager, BGIS

Climate leadership

• Less than 100,000 square feet: 15 Toronto Street, Toronto; Organization, 15 Toronto Holdings Limited; Manager, Madison Properties Inc.
• 100,000 to 500,000 square feet: 90 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto; Organization & Manager, Crown Property Management Inc.
• Greater than 500,000 square feet: 155 Wellington Street West, Toronto; Organization, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC); Manager, The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited

Municipal Beacon

• City of Toronto

“Congratulations to all of today’s trailblazers, and the winners and finalists who continue to strive for more sustainable buildings and a greener world,” Allen reiterated. “The commitment and the leadership you demonstrate to address and overcome environmental challenges that we are facing today are making a difference.”