Project Address

284, 288, 296 and 300 Mill Road. Etobicoke, ON

Key Contacts

Nena Gajic, R.C.M., Property Manager, Brookfield Residential Services Ltd.

Project Background

Built in 1972, The Masters comprises two buildings with four municipal addresses. The buildings are honeycomb-shaped complexes of two-storey, split level and single level suites, housing approximately 1100 residents.

In 2009, The Master was recognized by the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) as a finalist in Condo of the Year award.

Challenges

With 35% of the operating budget devoted to electricity costs, it was clear that the metal halide and T12 lighting systems in the common area of the two buildings needed updating. Metal halide bulbs are also an environmental concern, containing 10 times more mercury than fluorescent bulbs.

With the goal of maintaining current light levels, increased security, safety and a long term reduction in operating costs and energy consumption, The Masters collaborated with supplier and contractor Lighting Solutions and the City of Toronto’s Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) to achieve this goal.

Solution and Results

A major pre-project study including the garage, stairwells, and all common area lighting systems was conducted in order to determine if large reductions could be achieved in both kilowatt load and kilowatt-hours without compromising perceived light levels, safety and security. As a result of this study, a decision was made to undertake a full retrofit of the lighting system with the assistance of BBP incentives which significantly improved the rate of return on investment.

The existing HID 50.6 total kW load lighting system from the garage was removed and replaced with a High Efficiency T8 lighting system. This retrofit resulted in a 74% reduction in kilowatt load and a yearly reduction of 291,139 kilowatt-hours.

The retrofit also included an update of lighting system in the stairwells, fitness area, meeting rooms and clubhouse, resulting in a yearly reduction of 126,723 kWh. The total electricity savings for the whole project represents taking 80 cars off the road.

The goal of this project was savings $40,000 per year, which was surpassed. Completion of this project also resulted in cash savings and a benefit to the environment.

“As managers of condominiums, we are working within a non-profit environment.  The owners’ maintenance fees are the only source of budget income.  Our ongoing mandate is to find ways to reduce operating costs,” said Nena Gajic, property manager.  “We knew a lighting retrofit proposal with less than 2 year payback, substantial reduction in future operating costs and a generous BBP incentive to boot would be a welcome winner!”

Project Snapshot

• Project Cost: $87,486
• Annual electricity savings: 417,852 kWh
• Annual electricity demand savings: 47.7 kW
• Annual cost savings: $41,785
• Annual CO2 savings: 402 tonnes
• Incentive received: BBP ($20,892.61)
• Annual ROI: 57%
• Payback period: less than 2 years

About the City of Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and livability for all its residents.

For more information please contact:

Better Buildings Partnership
Tel: 416-392-1500
bbp@toronto.ca

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