A building tune-up is a review of your building’s existing equipment and systems to ensure they are operating efficiently and correctly. This includes key building systems such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), hot water, lighting, controls and the building envelope.
A tune-up does not involve replacing major equipment but instead focuses on operational improvements, including optimizing schedules and temperature settings, and ensuring that filters, sensors, and controls are functioning properly.
Interested in a tune-up for your building? Eligible participants will receive an on-site assessment conducted by the City of Toronto’s authorized delivery partner, Enerva Energy Solutions. Following the assessment, you will receive a customized report that identifies opportunities to improve energy performance, reduce operating costs and enhance building operations.
Please read the eligibility criteria below. If you have any questions, contact bbp@toronto.ca or buildingtuneup@enerva.ca.
Over time, building systems can drift away from how they were intended to operate. Occupancy schedules change, temperature settings are adjusted, sensors fall out of calibration and controls may be overridden. A building tune-up identifies and addresses issues that affect building performance and efficiency.
Through the Building Tune-Up Program, a qualified tune-up specialist will conduct an on-site assessment of your building’s systems and operations. Following your assessment, you will receive a customized report outlining practical opportunities to reduce energy and water use, improve building performance and lower utility bills.
The tune-up assessment, which typically costs $5,000 or more, is provided at no cost through the City of Toronto to eligible participants. Cutting energy waste in existing buildings is a priority for the City’s climate goals. Your primary commitment is your building operator’s time for the site visit and follow-up activities.
Most recommendations involve simple operational and maintenance adjustments that can be implemented at little or no cost. These adjustments can deliver significant energy and cost savings.
You will receive a report with recommended tune-up actions for your building, along with implementation support, training for your staff, and a follow-up meeting to review the findings and support implementation of the recommended measures.
Many tune-up recommendations can be implemented as part of a building operator’s day-to-day responsibilities. Where low-cost measures are recommended, the energy and cost savings can outweigh the initial cost to implement them, and you decide which recommendations to act on.
An energy audit usually points to equipment upgrades. A tune-up assessment focuses on optimizing your existing equipment by improving schedules, settings and controls. The two work well together and a past audit gives the tune-up team a head start.
No Requirement to Purchase New Equipment to Major Equipment Replacement Not Required
For buildings smaller or larger than 10,000 to 30,000 square feet, submit an Expression of Interest and the program team will confirm whether it qualifies. Buildings located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas are being prioritized.
A professional building tune-up assessment typically costs $5,000 or more. Through the Building Tune-Up Program, eligible buildings receive it at no cost. Building owners who complete a tune-up typically see:
For non-profits, community organizations, faith groups and small businesses, the savings may be redirected toward programs and services that support communities rather than building expenses.
The City of Toronto is running this pilot program in support of its climate action goals. Every building that completes a tune-up helps improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and strengthen building resilience across Toronto.
The Building Tune-Up Program is designed for small and mid-sized commercial and community buildings with a focus on non-profits, community organizations, faith groups and small businesses (up to 50 employees).
Eligible buildings are generally between 10,000 and 30,000 square feet. If your building is close to this range, you may still qualify. Do not rule yourself out. However, condominiums and larger buildings (50,000 square feet or more) are outside the scope of this program. Priority is being given to buildings located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.
Submit an Expression of Interest or email us at buildingtuneup@enerva.ca to learn more. The program team will confirm whether your building qualifies.
Even if your building does not qualify today, we encourage you to get in touch. Your building may be eligible for future program opportunities.
There are three ways to get started:
After you submit your Expression of Interest, the program team will contact you to confirm your building’s eligibility. If your building qualifies, we will ask a few follow-up questions about your building’s systems and operations, and then schedule your on-site tune-up assessment at a time that works for you.
The Building Tune-Up Program is offered by the City of Toronto’s Better Buildings Partnership. For additional support and resources for your building, you can also register for the City’s Navigation and Support Services.