Congratulations to Toronto Community Housing's Smart Buildings and Energy Management unit for winning the Advocate of the Year award at the 2012 ENERGY STAR™ Market Transformation Awards on June 6. 

The awards recognize leadership in promoting energy efficiency in Canada. They are presented to utility providers, manufacturers, retailers, advocates and home builders that have shown commitment to manufacturing, marketing and promoting energy-efficient products.

“We are excited and encouraged by the national recognition of our ongoing efforts to make our buildings more energy-efficient,” said the unit’s director, Phillip Jeung. “It’s great that we can save costs while making our communities more environmentally-sustainable.”

Heating and lighting our buildings costs almost $120 million each year. With utilities getting more expensive, energy conservation is a priority. The unit runs a program that replaces outdated air conditioners with energy-efficient models that improve air quality and save almost $14,000 in utilities.

 Ferdous K. Noman (left) and Phillip Jeung (right) with Gisèle Maillet, Account Manager, Natural Resources Canada

The team also runs the Building Tune-up program, which installed nearly 44,000 ENERGY STAR™ compact fluorescent light bulbs last year. The program, which includes other water and energy efficiency measures, runs in 35 buildings across the city. It will save almost $850,000 in utility and water costs each year, money that can be used to pay for capital repairs.

“This recognition demonstrates our commitment to energy efficiency. The products we are using typically have a smaller ecological footprint, helping us build sustainable communities,” said project manager Ferdous K. Noman.

Changes in behaviour also have a significant impact on energy conservation efforts and savings. Our staff and tenant animators organized events within their communities to engage other residents and distributing information and products related to energy conservation. 

For more information about the award winners, visit the Natural Resources Canada website.