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Regional Energy Coaches Pilot Program
Ontario Housing Co-ops: How to Cut Your Energy Costs for a Better Bottom Line
If your co-op does business with Enbridge gas in Ontario, you’ll want to read this.
Enbridge Gas offers a program for Ontario housing co-operatives (customers only) that will mean energy savings.
The Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program provides money towards capital improvements that will cut
Ontario Housing Co-ops: Energy-Efficient Growth
Enbridge Gas offers a program that will mean energy savings for Ontario housing co‑operatives (customers only) that are planning to add new units.
The Savings by Design Program is for new-construction projects, either low-rise or multi-family elevator buildings. The goal of the program is to
Is your co-op taking advantage of funding programs?
From new construction to sustainability upgrades, a housing co-op always has projects on its wish list.
Fortunately, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and other organizations offer funding programs that your co-op can use to turn those wish-list items into reality.
CMHC Seed
Best Practices for Capital Spending
Capital spending refers to investments in major repairs and replacements. Typically, a capital expenditure is an expense of $2,000 or more for a building or landscaping project. It does not include maintenance-related repairs or replacements or any items that are normally described as operating
Plan for the Future
Good planning is the secret behind a building that doesn’t look its age. Without a plan, your co-op can’t know how much you’ll need to save for major repairs. Until you know this, you don’t know what your housing charges should be.
Your plan begins with a recent building condition assessment that
Use Less Energy
Are outdoor lights on sensors or timers? Has your co-op switched to LED lighting in your common spaces? Good investment! Not only will it use 75 to 90 % less electricity than incandescent, but the bulbs will last much longer.
Encourage your members to cut energy use too. They can turn down the
Ontario Electricity Support Program
The Agency has learned about several Ontario programs that can help co-ops and their members save energy—and money. While your co-op will need to invest some money in order to benefit in some initiatives, these measures offer long-term value. If this idea interests your co-op, you may wish to check
SAVE ON ENERGY for Co-op Housing
This program is delivered through participating local electrical utilities. It involves energy-efficient incentives for co-ops with buildings of six or more separate units.
Options include support for:
- Energy audits
- Equipment upgrades
- Improvement of the building envelope
- Training to help
Tip of the Month
Risk Trend
92% of Agency clients have a Strengthening or Stable risk trend. Proof of many good decisions.