Durham Region Recognizes Energy Efficiency Achievements
On November 13, 2024, the Durham Greener Buildings program hosted its inaugural Evening of Recognition in Whitby, Ontario. This event acknowledged buildings in the Durham Region that excelled in energy efficiency throughout 2023. The program, launched in January 2024 in collaboration with Windfall Ecology Centre, aims to promote energy efficiency and sustainability in institutional and commercial buildings.
The event highlighted Durham's involvement in Canada's Green Buildings Strategy and included a panel discussion on electrification opportunities and challenges. Awards were distributed in twelve categories to honor buildings for their energy performance, data quality, and early data submission. Notable recipients included the Durham Catholic District School Board, Lakeridge Health, the Township of Scugog, the Region of Durham, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Oshawa, and the Town of Ajax.
The Durham Greener Buildings program is part of the Region's Community Energy Plan, which focuses on leveraging local economic opportunities associated with the transition to clean energy. The program supports building owners in benchmarking their energy performance and publicly reporting their progress.
John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO of the Region of Durham, emphasized the program's role in empowering the building sector to advance climate action and sustainability. Brent Kopperson, Founder and Executive Director of Windfall Ecology Centre, described the event as a call to action for a sustainable future, recognizing leaders who inspire necessary actions to tackle climate challenges.