buildings

COMPASS: Game-changing energy benchmarking tool to launch in Fall 2018

7/2018 - The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and RWDI have developed a game-changing energy benchmarking tool, with TAF's support. The Compass tool streamlines energy benchmarking and reporting during the design phase of building development projects. New technology like this will get us closer to our TransformTO goals.

Energy efficiency leads to job and GDP growth in Canada, new research shows

6/2018 - Investments in energy-efficient buildings result in more local jobs and economic growth across Canada. From retrofits to housing renewal in Indigenous communities, energy efficiency can strengthen our economy and get us closer to a low-carbon future. Read our guest blog by Corey Diamond of Efficiency Canada.

New TowerWise video shows the importance of energy retrofits

6/2018 - Buildings are the largest emissions source in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area; that's why our TowerWise program improves the energy efficiency in our buildings. The Atmospheric Fund’s new video shows the importance of energy efficiency and building retrofits to achieve our climate goals - check it out.

Heat pumps: Hybrid dual fuel option offers viable pathway to electrification

4/2018 - Since buildings and homes account for almost a quarter of the province’s carbon emissions, we need innovative low-carbon heating solutions. A new study by MaRS Advanced Energy Center and Enbridge demonstrates that a smart, hybrid dual fuel option offers a viable pathway to electrification for home heating in Ontario.

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.

COMPASS: Better buildings through streamlined energy reporting and benchmarking

10/2017 - Energy modelling helps gauge and improve a building’s energy performance before it’s actually built. TAF recently supported the development of a new tool that will help compare and share such energy modelling data across Ontario.

TransformTO Steps: Toronto moves towards Zero Emissions Buildings

10/2017 - As Toronto continues to grow quickly, we need to get emissions from new construction under control if we want to reach our 2050 climate target. That’s Council approval for the Toronto Green Standard 3.0 for new buildings is such an important step.

No buildings left behind: A near-zero emissions future for Canada’s existing buildings

10/2017 - Canada has to include existing buildings in its transition to a low-carbon future. Research from The Atmospheric Fund and the Pembina Institute outlines a comprehensive national strategy to make our existing building stock energy efficient.

Condominium Manager Magazine: Energy Retrofits – Lower Your Operating Costs Through Debt-Free Financing

10/2017 - Condominium Manager Magazine: TAF VP Tim Stoate explains how energy savings performance agreements (ESPA) for energy retrofits can help lower operating costs.

Net-Zero Toronto Laneway Housing Concept Wins International Design Competition

9/2017 - Climate innovation made in Toronto: Students from Ryerson University and the University of Toronto recently took the grand prize at the U.S. Department of Energy’s fourth annual Race to Zero Design Competition — with a design for a net-zero laneway house.

Policy Options: Governments need to act on energy-efficient buildings shift

9/2017 - The shift to ultra-energy-efficient and low-carbon homes and buildings will help Canada reach its 2030 climate target under the Paris Agreement as well as its longer-term decarbonization goals. It will also reduce energy costs for Canadians, TAF CEO Julia Langer and Pembina Institute's Director of Buildings and Urban Solutions Karen Tam Wu emphasize in their submission to Policy Options.