A new government-funded project led by The Atmospheric Fund will invest $5.75 million toward deep energy retrofits, including heating, cooling, lighting systems, and other measures to reduce wastage in four multi-residential buildings in the cities of Toronto and Hamilton.
These deep energy retrofits are expected to reduce energy consumption by 40 per cent in the buildings, cut energy bills and improve resident comfort. The four properties include Toronto’s “Palace Place” at Palace Pier Court, an apartment complex at 155 Wellesley Street E, and two community housing buildings located in Hamilton.
“The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities work together to support green infrastructure projects that are building healthier and cleaner communities now and for future generations,” said Marco Mendicino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne. “Through partnerships like this we are helping provide solid 21st-century infrastructure to communities across the country. This housing retrofit in Toronto and Hamilton will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs and tangibly improve the quality of life for the residents who live there.”
The upgrades are in line with the City of Toronto’s TransformTO Climate Action Strategy, a long-term approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the City by 80 per cent by 2050.
Through green infrastructure, the communities are improving the environment, gathering and sharing important lessons to maximize municipal resources, and improving the lives of citizens.
The Green Municipal Fund is funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“Energy efficiency saves money, creates jobs and reduces pollution,” said The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government will continue to work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to make Toronto and Hamilton’s buildings more energy efficient. Together, we are lowering buildings’ energy costs and maintenance requirements while contributing to Canada’s clean energy future.”
Mayor John Tory was also on site as the official announcement was made July 8th in Toronto.
This is high time for this initiative. Toronto needs to upgrade the electricity supply capability to accommodate the switch to electric vehicles and the conversion from the use of gas for building heating.
Heat pump technology, using lake water and wastewater as heat sources and heat sinks for both HVAC and building hot water will mostly need electricity for operation. Solar and wind may also play a limited role when used together with battery technology.
As the negative effects of climate change become more and more evident, there will certainly be growing support for carbon taxes of one form or another and for that reason, it makes no sense to replace old boilers with new ones that will still be eminently serviceable 20 or thirty years from now.
Solar panels can perform double duty on rooftops by both producing electricity to offset utility costs and also to provide shade to reduce the need for AC.
Insulation and window upgrades can also contribute to long time savings.