The STEP Program

Banner: We have made some recent changes to STEP! Buildings may now participate if they were constructed more than 20 years ago. Apply by emailing Tower Renewal

 

The Sustainable Towers Engaging People (STEP) Program provides no-cost support to owners and property managers of multi-residential buildings to reduce operating costs and improve the living environment for residents.

Through the STEP Program, buildings owners are supported in six key areas of building performance: energy, water, waste, operations, safety and community. Since its inception, STEP has supported approximately 500 buildings and their residents.

Eligible properties must be:

  • Three or more storeys (minimum seven units); and
  • Be constructed more than 20 years ago (before 2006 in 2026).
  • No-cost benchmarking of the building’s energy, water and waste performance compared to approximately 500 similar buildings; 
  • Individualized targets to improve the building’s utility performance (electricity, natural gas, water, garbage); 
  • A customized Action Report with recommendations to lower costs and increase tenant satisfaction; and  
  • Access to financing opportunities and follow-up support. 

STEP’s benchmarking provides an up-to-date picture of your building’s performance compared to approximately 500 similar buildings in Toronto. A STEP Action Report provides visuals that show your building’s total energy and water consumption and waste generation, relative to similar buildings. The benchmarks also show specific areas where a building has the greatest room for improvement in terms of performance and savings.

Participation in the STEP Program does not impact the obligations of participants to comply with all regulatory requirements including City of Toronto Property Standards and the Ontario Fire Code.  

Date modified: June 25, 2026