On April 15, 2011, GLOBE and SHSC’s Energy Smart Initiative was recognized by the City of Toronto’s Green Toronto Awards at the Green Living Show. A finalist in the energy conservation category, the Energy Smart Initiative involved implementing a selection of ‘deep’ electrical retrofit and conservation measures in 11 electrically-heated social housing properties. This totalled 850 units which also utilized GLOBE’s acclaimed Community Champions program to educate residents on the measures and how to conserve. Together, all participating buildings received a wide range of energy conserving upgrades, from weatherization to lighting technologies. The savings from just the installation of compact fluorescents and power bars alone equal an energy savings of 1300 kilowatts, which is equivalent to taking 64 cars off the road.

Want to reduce your energy demand at home or at work?

Here are some energy saving tips from the Energy Smart Initiative that you may consider implementing either personally, in your buildings, or to pass on to residents:

1. Use a programmable thermostat and lower the temperature at night. Even 1 degree lower in winter, and 1 degree higher in summer, can deliver significant energy savings over time without compromising comfort.
2. Plug electronics into a power bar and turn it off when not in use. Electronic devices consume ‘phantom’ power just by being plugged into the wall. This is eliminated when using a power bar.
3. Arrange your furniture and drapes so they don’t block baseboard heaters or forced air vents.
4. When washing dishes, instead of consistently running hot water, plug the sink and fill it up. Don’t forget — when you waste water, you waste electricity too.
5. Pull shades or drapes over windows on winter nights to keep the cold air out and on summer days to keep out the hot sun.

Reducing Energy Demand with Youth

On a related green note, GLOBE’s current initiative, REDY (Reducing Energy Demand with Youth), is a program that trains youth in jobs that range from retrofit work to the installation of new, renewable energy technology. Over the course of the next three years, REDY will provide training and assist with placements for 120 youth participants in 6 cities.

With rising energy costs, more and more people are becoming worried about their utility bills. Are you one of them?

The social housing sector is a large consumer of electricity, natural gas, water and materials. In fact, the sector spends approximately $400 million a year on utilities and these costs are rising.

In response to these concerns, GLOBE recently launched the Sustainability Toolbox: a free, interactive online tool that focuses on no-cost and low-cost ways to run a more profitable and sustainable business.

When you download the Sustainability Toolbox, you will find some easy solutions for keeping utility costs down both at home and at work. It comes down to following three basic rules:

1. Use efficient technology.

• Replacing or buying new equipment or appliances? Choose the most efficient models available. Look for the EnergyStar logo – it’s an easy way to recognize the most energy-efficient choices!
• Replacing toilets, taps and/or showerheads? Install low-flow models to reduce your water use by 25%-50%.
• Not ready for big upgrades? Faucet aerators are inexpensive and easy to install, and will reduce water use without affecting water pressure.
• Change your lightbulbs! CFL bulbs are up to 75% more efficient and last up to 10 times longer – you’ll not only save energy, but maintenance costs as well.
• Get automatic results. Occupancy sensors and/or motion detectors will optimize lighting and fan use and reduce waste. Programmable thermostats allow for comfort and convenience while managing energy used to heat and cool the area.

2. Make sure that the equipment you have, works the way it’s supposed to!

Maximize efficiency by making sure to follow operations and maintenance recommendations.

• Clean and/or replace furnace and exhaust filters regularly.
• Improve circulation: make sure that nothing blocks radiators, registers or vents.
• Repair leaky toilets, faucets and showerheads immediately. A leak of one drop per second can waste as much as 10,000 litres of water a year!
• Insulate and seal windows and doors against drafts. Caulk all cracks and gaps in and around windows, doors, baseboards etc.

3. Stop wasting!

• Turn lights and electronics off when not in use.
• Don’t heat or cool unoccupied space.
• Use cold water to wash your clothes, and only wash full loads of laundry.
• Don’t leave the tap running when washing dishes or brushing your teeth.
• Reduce the amount of garbage you produce. Compost and recycle as much as possible. Keep hazardous materials out of landfill.

To maximize results, it is important to follow all three of these guidelines – neglecting one will reduce the effectiveness of the other. So if you want to take a bite out of your utility bills, remember that a building includes more that just walls, roofs, doors and windows – it also includes the people who live and work within it. How each part of a building interacts with each other (including residents and staff) will define just how sustainable – and cost-effective- your operations will be.

Looking for more useful tips and tools? Visit the GLOBE website to get your FREE copy of the Sustainability Toolbox. Download here

It was almost seven years ago, on August 14, 2003, when a series of power surges caused a cascade of shutdowns at more than 100 generating plants throughout the northeastern U.S. and Ontario. The result was the biggest blackout in North American history with 61,800 megawatts of power lost to over 50 million people. A lot of reliability measures have been implemented and business contingency plans instituted since then but, the demands on our aging grid continues to grow.

Just this past July 5, 2010, at 4:45 p.m. on an extreme heat alert day in Toronto, a rush hour blackout caused traffic chaos. Before the power was restored, the blackout, triggered by a fire at a transformer station, left 250,000 Toronto Hydro customers in the dark.

There is no confirmation yet about the cause and some news outlets (both the CBC and BBC) are indicating that power usage was not the source of the blackout. However, while we await confirmation of the cause, one thing is for sure, we have become air conditioner addicts.

According to Stan Cox, author of Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World, we air condition everything from golf carts to storage rooms and recently, Dubai was looking at air conditioning a popular beach.

Obsession with Air Conditioning

Our obsession with air conditioning is a relatively recent phenomenon. The amount of energy consumed by running residential air conditioners in Canada almost tripled between 1990 and 2007. And to make matters worse, we are entering a cycle of increasing temperatures resulting in ever higher demands on air conditioners which in turn will contribute to our warming climate.

There are however, some important tips for using air conditioners that will result in more efficient energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Set your thermostat at 25°C or higher. Each half-degree setting below 26°C increases your energy consumption by approximately 8%.
• Consider cost-effective conservation measures, such as shading windows from direct sunlight.
• When possible, delay heat-generating activities, such as dish washing or cooking until the evening on hot days.
• Be sure your air conditioner is not blocked.
• Over most of the cooling season (which does not have to start as soon as the snow melts), keep the house closed tight during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity.
• Ventilate your rooms at night naturally as weather permits by opening windows to create cross ventilation
• Consider supplementing the air conditioner with fans which will allow you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher.
• If purchasing a new air conditioner consider an ENERGY STAR® model, which use at least 10% less energy.

Looking for more energy saving tips? GLOBE, a leader in bringing energy efficiency to the housing sector, will be launching its Sustainability Toolbox in the coming weeks. For more information on GLOBE, visit www.globeservices.ca

It’s Spring! Days are getting longer, birds are chirping. We are drawn to the outdoors, to the fresh air and sunshine that we missed during those long winter months.

Spring is traditionally associated with hope, growth, renewal. So what better time to show our commitment to sustainability? We all rely on stable and affordable energy, clean air and water, safe products and healthy food. But there are costs to the ways that we produce, use and dispose of these resources. The price is high, not only financially, but socially and ecologically as well.

So, what can we do?
The Social Housing sector can demonstrate leadership, not only by introducing technical improvements to buildings, but also by adopting sustainable practices and habits.

One such easy choice? Join GLOBE and SHSC as we participate in Earth Hour.

On March 27th, at 8:30 pm, turn off all of your building’s non-essential lighting and electronics. It’s not about sitting in the dark! Its’ about re-thinking how we use (and waste) energy.

Last year, 52% of adult Canadians participated in Earth Hour. Let’s show off our sector’s commitment: engage your staff and residents to participate in Earth Hour too. Then challenge them to join you in doing even more throughout the year!

1. Be energy and water efficient. When you use water and energy, use it well. Fix leaks. Insulate. Use efficient appliances, lighting and equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol: you’ll know your using models that are best-in-class. Contact SHSC Customer Care to learn more about how you can access incentive funding for energy saving projects.
2. Recycle, reduce and reuse as much as possible. Reduce the amount that you send to landfill. Recycling saves a lot of energy needed to extract, process, transport and make new materials and products. Recycle 100% of your glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper and compost organic waste if possible.
3. Unplug: Electrical devices draw energy, even when they are switched off. If you want to make sure you are not unknowingly feeding these “energy vampires”, unplug them when not in use, or use a power bar to easily turned them on and off with the flick of a switch.
4. Get an Energy Audit – and act on it! Chances are, your building wastes a lot of energy, and money. An audit will show you how your building uses (and wastes) energy and will identify potential improvements. Making those improvements could result in thousands of dollars in energy savings each year – not too mention a large reduction in your carbon footprint. Plus, many of the energy-saving upgrades qualify for incentives.

To learn more about how you can access incentive funding for energy savings projects, or how to get and prepare for an energy audit contact SHSC Customer Care at 1.877.733.7472 or email customercare@shcorp.ca

Be sure to also check out the GLOBE Sustainable Landscaping for Healthy Communities where you can find practical information about green roofs, fertilizers, pest control, soil health, irrigation, and design.

It has been 37 years since the first Climate Change conference in Stockholm and now we are on the eve of the latest round in Copenhagen.

But what does it mean for us?

Lately there have been questions raised about whether or not Global Warming is ‘real’ or not. In Canada we are becoming painfully aware of the changes in our north with the shrinking of the ice caps and the dangers that these changes mean for our northern communities. Scientists have warned of much bigger and more dangerous changes.

And what is it that is driving all of this?

For the most part it is believed that the burning of fossil fuels to create energy is the main cause of Global Warming. That has been our traditional source of energy for the past 150 years, the same period that has seen the most explosive growth of human kind in history.

But what are the options?

The sun produces enough energy to supply 8,000 times the entire planets needs for 2004. 8,000 times! So why are we not using this energy? Because we have become used to doing business a different way and have set up our economies to mesh with that model. Why not change? Because change is always difficult, especially for those that rely on a particular form of business to create revenue, like oil companies for instance.

But the real question is, whether or not you believe in Global Warming, why would we not want to change to an energy source that is virtually free and will last until the planet falls apart? Why would we not want to switch to a source that does not create toxic emissions and can be accessed anywhere in the world?

When Winston Churchill was preparing Great Britain for WWI he insisted that the war would be lost if the British navy did not switch fuel sources, from coal to oil. The establishment fought hard and claimed that the economy would fall to pieces, thousands would lose their jobs and the war would be lost. Sound familiar?

One thing we do know for sure, energy prices are only going in one direction, up! Given the chance of offsetting a traditional energy source with a renewable one, especially when it might be paid for through infrastructure and/or incentive programs, the choice seems clear.

Keir Brownstone is the General Manager of Green Light On A Better Environment (GLOBE), an SHSC subsidiary. For more on GLOBE, visit www.globeservices.ca

Consider that the world-renowned International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that there is a 90% chance that there will be more frequent heat spells and more severe weather. But wait, what does climate change mean to housing providers? Higher utility bills and maintenance costs! If those reputable predictions become a reality, climate change impacts will quickly become one of the most pressing issues facing our sector.

And then there is the opposition who question the IPCC’s assessment of climate change and who do not consider it to be as pressing an issue. After all, why should society spend billions of dollars to mitigate a threat that may not be as bad as predicted?

Whichever side of the coin you happen to be on, investing in renewable energy systems is something everyone can agree on. Renewable energy systems that harness sunlight, wind, and geothermal energy for electricity, space heating or water heating accomplish three important goals: reducing climate change impacts, saving drastically on utility bills, and increasing tenant comfort. In short, renewable systems will help modernize buildings and will turn social housing into more cost-efficient and attractive businesses.

In the past, cost has been considered a barrier, and yes, there certainly are upfront costs to installing renewable energy systems. Fortunately, the government’s new focus on renewables has led to numerous incentives and funding programs like SHRRP, ecoENERGY – Renewable Heat program, the Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive, and the Ontario Solar Energy Systems Rebate. The Micro Feed-In-Tariff program even gives providers an opportunity to add a new revenue stream by selling electricity generated with renewables. With all of the money out there ripe for the taking, there has never been a better time to get into the renewables game.

Before investing renewable energy it’s important to address any underlying energy efficiency and conservation issues in the building which will help maximize the economics of the system. Things like educating staff and tenants, and simple retrofits like air sealing around windows will make savings from renewable energy systems even greater.

GLOBE and SHSC have prepared a guide titled Strategically Planning Renewable Energy Projects for Social Housing to provide a short overview of the various renewable technology out there, what to consider when installing them, and some helpful questions and answers.

• Replacing roofs is an excellent opportunity to improve energy efficiency
• Using light coloured shingles, surface coating and gravel can further add to your energy savings
• ENERGY STAR® cool or reflective roof products reduce the amount of heat transferred into a home
• Strategically planning and timing your projects together will help you achieve maximum savings
• Roof replacement time is the best time to consider a renewable energy system

Replacing a roof due to damage and/or age presents an excellent opportunity to improve energy efficiency, comfort levels for tenants, reduce operating costs and C02 emissions which cause Global Warming.

In the case of a sloped roof aim for a minimum of R40 or, preferably, R50. Insulation will not meet its maximum effect in an attic setting unless the attic is properly sealed and a continuous vapour barrier has been installed.

For a flat roof aim for a minimum of R30. This may not always be achievable because of other structural issues such as rooftop mechanical rooms, roof access points and ridge height, but it is important to instruct your contractor to achieve as high a level as possible.

Further savings can be achieved by using light coloured shingles, surface coatings or gravel. These materials reflect heat during summer months rather then absorbing it as dark coloured materials do. An energy efficient roof should reflect a high percentage of solar energy and radiate away energy (heat) after it is absorbed. ENERGY STAR® cool or reflective roof products reflect more of the sun’s rays, lowering a roof surface temperature by up to 100 degrees, and reducing the amount of heat transferred into a home. The ENERGY STAR® program presently considers reflectance only, not emittance. A Roof’s emissivity relates to how quickly it releases heat it has absorbed. Because of this property cooling costs are reduced. This measure also helps to reduce “heat island effect”, a contributor to global warming, particularly in dense urban areas.

As with every energy efficient retrofit measure, maximum results are achieved by combining efforts. The savings gained by a well insulated roof are leveraged by caulking and weatherstripping the building envelope which, in turn, maximizes the efficiency of the HVAC system or, in the case where a system is being replaced, can result in a smaller, less expensive replacement.

Roof replacement time is also the best time to consider a renewable energy system. Because Solar systems have a life span of at least 20 years and, in the case of Solar PV, Solar Thermal and Solar Air roofing, a considerable portion of the cost is installation on the roof, a new roof gives a much greater degree of certainty that these systems will not need to be removed for re-roofing.

Combining all of these measures will result in a healthier, more comfortable building, reduced operating costs, a revenue stream (in the case of Solar PV) from the Feed In Tariff (FIT) and a greener community.