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Buildings

Buildings offer a key opportunity for businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their operations.

Buildings

Buildings offer a key opportunity for businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their operations. In Canada, commercial sector buildings account for 14% of energy use and 13% of greenhouse gas emissions.

The potential for substantial reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions is significant. These include opportunities to reduce a building's heating and cooling needs, as well as opportunities to improve the efficiency of operating equipment and lighting. Capitalizing on these opportunities can reduce your business's energy consumption and carbon footprint, while generating lower operating costs over the longer term.

Energy Use in Commerical and Institutional Buildings, Atlantic Provinces, 2012

Source: Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada

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What have others done?

Scotia Centre building in downtown St. John's

Scotia Centre in St. John's is committed to using energy in the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner possible. They have developed a policy to constantly work to improve their energy efficiency through management programs, operating improvements and long-term capital planning. Energy saving features in the building include:

  • Scheduled equipment start times
  • Reduced hot water boiler temperature
  • Installed T8 light bulbs and electronic ballasts
  • Replaced exit lights with LED lighting
  • Installed lighting sensors in garage and washrooms
  • Replaced chiller (30% more efficient)
  • Upgraded lighting controller
  • Undertook a re-lamping program

Additionally, this was the first non-government building in Newfoundland and Labrador to obtain BOMA BEST certification, which is one of the leading environmental certification programs for existing buildings in Canada.