News

Lack of low-carbon commitments: Assessing the climate impact of Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan

2/2018 - Ontario's new Long-Term Energy Plan provides a vision for the energy system over the next decade. However, the Plan lacks clear commitments to reducing emissions. Without a strategy towards a low-carbon energy system, Ontario will fall short of the necessary actions to meet provincial or national climate targets.

The how-to-guide for regional expansion: Opportunities for climate action in the GTHA

2/2018 - After a year of research to guide TAF's regional expansion efforts, we present the "Greenhouse Gas Reduction – Action and Opportunity in the GTHA" report. With this guide, we're excited to continue advancing climate action in the region.

Overheating no more: How smart thermostats improve the lives of over 1,300 residents

2/2018 - TAF's TowerWise project provides multiple benefits through energy retrofits such as jobs, health, and comfort. Smart thermostats give residents control over their comfort in a way that also maximizes the performance of these existing buildings - a win-win solution for building residents, carbon emissions, and energy savings.

Despite setbacks in the U.S., global green investments soar in 2017

2/2018 - While the U.S. federal government stepped back on climate change leadership, the rest of the world held steadfast on the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Clean technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy are competing well, outperforming most other sectors. Nothing trumps good economics - and the future looks bright for green investments.

Business Insider: ecobee donates over 700 thermostats to Toronto Community Housing to improve sustainability and resident comfort

1/2018 - TAF teamed up with ecobee on the TowerWise program to improve resident comfort, reduce emissions, and identify best practices in retrofits across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. The newly installed smart thermostats make intelligent heating and cooling decisions to reduce energy waste and offer real-time insights to identify other opportunities for future improvements.

ZeroHouse: A made-in-Toronto net zero housing solution

1/2018 - How can we reduce emissions from new residential buildings while addressing the housing shortage in the GTHA, especially the gap between high-rises and detached homes? The ZeroHouse, co-developed by Ryerson University students and the Endeavour Centre, shows how to address both issues.

TransformTO: Full funding is critical for climate action

1/2018 - When it comes to meeting Toronto’s climate targets, words are not enough. We need to invest to achieve our goals, starting now. That’s why the Council decision on the TransformTO 2018 operating budget is so important. Read TAF's letter to the City's Budget Committee.

Picture2050: Today’s photos can show us our future city

1/2018 - To create something, you must first be able to picture it. Such visions often sprout from a seed that already exists; something you would like to see grow and expand to reach its potential. This is very much the idea behind the current #Picture2050 photo contest that's inspired by the TransformTO climate plan for Toronto.

Best bang for our climate bucks: Looking beyond cost per tonne

1/2018 - Would anyone ditch all fruits and vegetables and switch to a carbs-only diet because it's the cheapest? Obviously not. Likewise, governments shouldn't solely focus on cost per tonne of emissions reduced when it comes to investing public dollars in climate action. A nuanced approach is what we need.

Money on the table: Why investors miss out on the energy efficiency market

12/2017 - Energy efficiency retrofits in Canada represent a multi-billion dollar market opportunity, yet investment levels remain low. TAF's latest report identifies three market failures that hamper investment and maps out how to overcome them based on international best practices.

After the Big Move: Metrolinx maps the future of regional transportation

12/2017 - The GTHA keeps growing, so how will regional transportation keep up? A new draft plan by Metrolinx sets out a path to 2041. TAF and Pembina Institute took a closer look at what works and what's missing in the 20-plus year planning document that will shape how we get around the region.

Ontario Construction Report: Next phase of TowerWise features $9 million energy efficiency models

12/2017 - Following the announcement of the new $9-million phase, Ontario Construction Report profiled TAF’s trailblazing TowerWise retrofit program, with new energy and emission targets that align closely with TransformTO.