FortisBC recognizes top energy savers at 2023 Efficiency in Action Awards

May 12, 2023

Organizations are reducing greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors in British Columbia

Surrey, B.C.—May 12, 2023: As energy efficiency is a key pillar of climate action, FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. (collectively, FortisBC) are pleased to celebrate ten organizations for their dedication to energy conservation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions. This year’s winners include organizations from across the province that are leading the way in energy efficiency, whether building new projects or improving existing buildings. Together, these organizations are expected to reduce annual GHG emissions equivalent to removing more than 1,200 gas-powered vehicles off the road for a year.¹

“Energy efficiency remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to reduce GHG emissions, and the efforts of the winning organizations represent some of the best work we’re seeing in this area,” said Joe Mazza, vice-president, energy supply and resource development, FortisBC. “We’re thrilled to highlight the ongoing efforts of these organizations through these awards.”

The 2023 Efficiency in Action Award winners are the New Chelsea Society, Prince George School District No.57, QuadReal Property Group, Fort Nelson First Nation, Town of Creston, Provincial Health Services Authority, Canada Place Corporation, BC Care Providers Association & EngAge BC, Kalesnikoff Lumber Company and Bates Restaurants Ltd.

Each organization is a great example of how working toward individual sustainability goals contributes to larger initiatives like the province’s climate action goals. For example, the Canada Place Corporation replaced its old boiler system with high-efficiency equipment, including three high-efficiency hot water condensing gas boilers, to help cut its GHG emissions in half, aligning with the Port of Vancouver’s goal to become the world’s most sustainable port. Another winner, QuadReal Property Group, put energy efficiency at the forefront of the early-stage design of its commercial building project, The Post—the revitalization of the historic Canada Post building in downtown Vancouver.

“We had an amazing opportunity at The Post to focus on an energy-efficient envelope and a high-efficiency mechanical system, that will lead to major reductions in its energy use and carbon footprint,” said Julie Lacasse, vice-president, office, QuadReal Property Group. “The Post is one of Canada’s most ambitious heritage redevelopments and will be a signature landmark in Vancouver. It was our priority to position the property as a leader in performance and sustainability.”

Beyond advancing climate action goals, other benefits of these projects are being passed along to the British Columbians living and working in these spaces. For example, to improve energy efficiency and comfort in its members’ homes, the Fort Nelson First Nation participated in FortisBC’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program on a community-wide basis, with the most participants at one time in the history of the program. Another winner, BC Care Providers Association & EngAge BC, is continuously improving energy efficiency across its care homes, helping to control costs.

“We’re continuously looking for innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption across our homes and encourage our members to be proactive in looking for energy-efficient upgrades as they not only help our members to be energy efficient and keep operational costs down, but help in bringing resilience, quality and comfort for the occupants,” said Jasdeep Singh Gulati, energy specialist at BC Care Providers Association.

The eight award winners recognized for their reduced natural gas use are saving more than 80,000 gigajoules of natural gas annually, the energy equivalent to heating more than 800 homes per year and saving more than 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, the equivalent to removing about 1,200 gas-powered cars from the road.¹ The two winning organizations in FortisBC’s electric service territory are saving over 1,600,000 kilowatt hours annually, the equivalent electricity use of almost 60 homes for a year.¹ FortisBC provided more than $4.5 million in energy efficiency incentives to the winning organizations, helping them cover a portion of the upfront costs for these upgrades.

Last year, FortisBC invested more than $118 million in programs and incentives to help customers reduce their energy use and save on their monthly energy bills. This year, they are investing even more, with FortisBC recently receiving approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission to invest more than $155 million into conservation and energy efficiency programs in 2023. Investing in innovative and effective ways to reduce GHG emissions through energy efficiency is one of the ways FortisBC is working towards provincial climate action goals. To learn more about the work these organizations completed visit fortisbc.com/efficiencyawards.

¹ Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator | Natural Resources Canada (nrcan.gc.ca)

 

Media contact