How Calgary commercial buildings are reducing emissions

The City of Calgary is highlighting eight commercial properties that are making a significant impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Calgary.

They are Calgary City Centre, Westwinds Village, Balmoral School, Catherine Nichols Gunn School, Ernie Starr Arena, Calgary Impact Centre, Memorial Park Library and Corporate Warehouse.

Community climate action

The top-performing properties were recognised at this year’s BenchmarkYYC Awards event. BenchmarkYYC is a City programme that helps commercial building owners measure, track and compare their building’s energy efficiency.

“Celebrating and investing in our community’s climate action increases Calgary’s opportunities – both locally and globally – to attract economic development, talent and investment from all sectors,” said councillor Evan Spencer. “At the same time, we’re supporting new industries, low-carbon technology, jobs, local business growth and partnerships.”

“We see BenchmarkYYC as a powerful tool to track our portfolio’s energy and emissions performance”

More than 20 participants from the private, public and non-profit sectors competed in eight categories. The winners – Goodwill Industries, Boardwalk Reit, Calgary Public Library, Calgary Board of Education and The City of Calgary – achieved the lowest greenhouse gas emissions within their category relevant to the size of the building.

“We see BenchmarkYYC as a powerful tool to track our portfolio’s energy and emissions performance, which assists us in making informed decisions for energy efficiency improvements in our buildings,” said Sheila Odie, senior director with Boardwalk Reit. “At Westwinds Village, we replaced and upgraded both the roof system and building envelope to significantly reduce the thermal load.  We are encouraged to see the positive year-over-year impact of these capital investments.”