To implement a new energy and water reporting by-law, the City of Toronto has opened a reporting link that enables owners of large buildings in Toronto to report energy and water use to the City annually.
Reporting and benchmarking will support the owners of large buildings in their efforts to improve environmental performance, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lower operating costs.
In 2024, the reporting requirement applies to buildings that are 4,645 square metres (50,000 square feet) or larger (approximately 7,500 buildings in Toronto).
The deadline for reporting 2023 building energy and water use is Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Owners of buildings this size are already required to report the same data to the Province of Ontario. To simplify the process, owners will report their data to both the City and the Province using the same free online tool called Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
Beginning in 2025, owners of buildings that are 929 square metres (10,000 square feet) or larger will also be required to report their energy and water use to the City.
More information about the reporting requirement and how to report is available on the City’s Energy and Water Reporting webpage.
Buildings represent more than half of the GHG emissions in Toronto mostly due to energy and water use which can also represent some of the largest operating costs for building owners.
By reporting energy and water use, building owners are able to track their buildings’ performance over time and compare it with the performance of similar buildings.
The City will use the data to compare the buildings’ performance and design future City programs, policies and supports to help Toronto property owners improve their energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. The City’s Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy aims to lower GHG emissions from buildings to net zero by 2040.
Informational webinars
The City is hosting two informational webinars to help owners understand the City’s Energy and Water Reporting By-law and how to report their data:
Webinar: Energy and Water Reporting By-law for Existing Buildings
Date: Tuesday, March 19
Time: Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Click here to register.
Webinar: How to Report
Date: Thursday, April 25
Time: Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Click here to register.
Support for building owners
The City has programs to support property owners as they improve their buildings’ energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions including:
Better Buildings Navigation & Support Services: Provides building owners, operators and property managers with support to navigate the process of improving their buildings’ energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions.
Energy Retrofit Loan: Offers fixed, long-term, low-interest financing to enable building owners to invest in low-carbon, energy-efficient capital improvements.
Green Will Initiative: This initiative provides support to the owners of Toronto’s major institutional and commercial building portfolios in reducing GHG emissions to net zero.
Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): Toronto homeowners can get a low-interest loan of up to $125,000 to cover the cost of a broad range of home energy improvements.
More information about the Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy is available on the City’s website.
Quotes
“By tracking energy and water usage, large building owners will unlock opportunities to reduce emissions, save on utility costs and make their buildings more efficient. Robust data is a critical tool for informed decision-making and action as we build a more resilient Toronto.”
– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee
“This initiative is an important step in our ongoing efforts to transform Toronto so we can achieve our ambitious net zero goals. Addressing the climate emergency requires bold collective action. We are committed to partnering with residents, businesses and communities to drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future for our city.”
– Councillor Dianne Saxe (University-Rosedale), Mayor’s Environmental Champion
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.