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There are several resources available to assist building owners and operators in improving a building's energy efficiency. To get started, check out the links on this website or contact Peter or Lorina for more information about how they can help you:
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Peter Laforest
Energy Conservation & Sustainability Programs
peterl@boma.bc.ca
604-684-3916 Ext. 225
Lorina Keery
Energy Conservation & Sustainability Programs
lorina@boma.bc.ca
604-684-3916
Energy-Savings Tips
Building owners and managers have the opportunity to decrease energy consumption and realize cost savings by upgrading old technologies with more energy-efficient ones listed below. Improving energy efficiency can lower maintenance and operation costs, create comfortable and efficient workplace environments for tenants and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
Several energy-efficient technologies are ideal for offices.
Energy Saver T8 fluorescent lamps
- 50% more efficient than T12s
- Virtually eliminates lamp flickering
Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
- Use 75% less energy to produce the same amount of light and last up to ten times longer
- Ideal to use in hard-to-reach places and where lights are left on for long periods of time
LED exit signs
- Extremely long product life – LEDs last 10 to 25 years
- Reduce energy consumption by up to 90%
Lighting occupancy sensors
- Depending on the room, savings can be up to 70%
- Extends the life of lighting products and reduce maintenance costs
For many more tips on achieving energy efficiency, click here.
Buying Guides
Have a look at BC Hydro's Power Smart Buying Guides for tips on acquiring energy-using products for your commercial facility
Incentive Programs
One of the key components to creating a sustainable building is replacing outdated, inefficient technologies with new energy efficient technology. Creating a business case around energy efficient technology can be challenging, which is why incentive programs can be a valuable asset in looking to move forward with retrofit activity. See below for a complete list of incentive programs offered in BC for commercial buildings.
Do you have any questions about incentive programs or require assistance with any of the applications? Feel free to contact Lorina with your inquiries:
Lorina Keery
lorina@boma.bc.ca
604-684-3916
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BC Hydro Programs
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| PROGRAM |
SUITABLE FOR |
OFFERS |
| Product Incentive Program (PIP) |
Smaller BC Hydro commercial customers who want to replace inefficient technologies in existing buildings with new energy-efficient products |
- Incentives on energy-efficient technologies including lighting, controls, HVAC, and refrigeration
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| Power Smart Partner Program (PSP) |
Large commercial customers who spend more than $50,000 per year on electricity and who want to reduce costs and save electricity through a continuous energy management improvement approach |
- Funding to identify and investigate energy-saving opportunities
- Financial incentives to help you implement energy efficiency projects
- PSP Project Implementaion Fund
- PSP Express - for simple retrofit projects (like a lighting upgrade)
- Funding to hire a dedicated energy manager
- Recognition opportunities to showcase your environmental leadership
- Education and training, including employee engagement programs
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| New Construction Program |
Commercial, institutional and multi unit residential new developments or major building retrofits, to help reduce the costs of building energy efficient buildings |
- Energy modelling and design assistance funding
- Capital incentives for energy conservation measures
- ENERGY STAR appliance and lighting package rebates
- Project recognition
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| NRCan Programs |
| PROGRAM |
SUITABLE FOR |
OFFERS |
| EcoENERGY Retrofit Incentive for Buildings |
- Commercial or institutional buildings
- Provincial or municipal buildings
- Multi-unit residential and mixed-use buildings
Note: requires a pre-project energy audit of building
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Could receive up to $10 per gigajoule of estimated energy savings, 25% of eligible project costs, or $50,000 per project.
IMPORTANT: retrofit projects cannot commence before applicant receives written approval from NRCan
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| EcoENERGY for Renewable Heat |
Commercial, industrial and institutional purchasers of solar heating systems. |
Anticipated incentive amount is calculated as follows:
Incentive = performance factor * incentive rate * area of collector
Solar systems must be on Accepted Solar Collector list and collectors must be on List of Accepted Solar Collectors
IMPORTANT: construction on solar project may not begin until a Contribution Agreement is signed by NRCan and the applicant |
| NOTE: Both these programs will finish March 31, 2011. These programs however still accepts applications, projects continue to be approved, and no existing agreements will be affected. |
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| Terasen Gas Programs |
| PROGRAM |
SUITABLE FOR |
OFFERS |
| Terasen Gas Efficient Boiler Program |
Program accessible to commercial building owners, developers, consulting engineers or contractors for installing or upgrading to condensing or near-condensing boilers. |
Offers cash rebates of up to 75% of the purchase price premium. Purchase price incentives are based on space heating and ventilation load. They will be calculated as follows:
- Near-condensing boilers: $4000 per boiler plus $3 per MBH plant input
- Condensing boilers: $6000 per boiler plus $9 per MBH plant input
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| Terasen Gas Energy Assessment Program |
Businesses located in the Lower Mainland, Squamish or the Interior that spend more than $20,000 |
Process
- Download and complete Energy Assessment Form for your type of business from website
- Fax form to Terasen (604-576-7122).
- With approval of application, energy efficiency consultant will visit site and make recomendations
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Training and Education
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e-Energy Training
BOMA e-Energy Training is an energy management course for building operators of commercial and institutional buildings. Delivered online, in a self-learning format, registrants will understand basic energy principles, identify energy reduction opportunities, develop strategies and learn how to influence stakeholders to adopt energy savings behaviour. The program highlights operational and capital project energy management opportunities.
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Environmental Certification
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BOMA BESt
BOMA BESt is a national program launched in 2005 by BOMA Canada to address an industry need for realistic standards for energy and environmental performance of existing buildings based on accurate, independently verified information.
The BOMA BESt program includes an array of educational and on-line assessment tools; independent data audits; and a four-level performance certification program.
Commercial building complexes that are BOMA BESt certified will have a distinct advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining tenants, while improving business productivity for occupants. In most cases, it also costs less to operate and maintain the buildings.
For more information about BOMA BESt and how it can enhance the “green value” of your building and facility contact Lorina or Peter or visit the BOMA BESt website.
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