Project Address

Victoria University (main building)
91 Charles Street West
Toronto, ON       

Key Contacts

David Prediger,
Manager of Maintenance and Grounds 

Project Background

Victoria University was founded in 1836, and in 1890 federated with the  University of Toronto. In 1892, Victoria University moved from Cobourg to its  current campus in Toronto. Victoria University is home to approximately 3,500  undergraduate students. The campus consists of 14 buildings, some dating  back to the 19th century, with the most recent building completed in 2001.      

Challenges

Due to the age of most of the buildings, inefficiencies were growing and Victoria University was looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of the buildings and reduce energy costs.

“Incentives from the BBP will enable the university to plan and implement valuable projects which would not have been possible before this program was available”, David Prediger, Manager of Maintenance and Grounds, Victoria University.  

Solution and Results

A detailed energy audit was conducted on all 14 buildings, which will result in a major lighting retrofit project for the Victoria University campus. The project includes retrofitting existing T12 Linear Fluorescent fixtures with 25 Watt T8 Linear florescent lamps and electronic ballasts, replacing 32 Watt T8 linear fluorescents fixtures with 25 Watt T8 Linear fluorescent lamps and replacing metal halide fixtures with induction lamp fixtures. The university will also install motion sensors in classrooms, washrooms, garbage chute rooms and in some common areas.

The retrofits will assist in reducing energy consumption and expenses. The new lights will be brighter and more efficient than the old lights; and greatly enhance the aesthetics of the buildings and rooms.

“Incentives from the BBP will enable the university to plan and implement valuable projects which would not have been possible before this program was available,” said David Prediger, Manager of Maintenance and Grounds, Victoria University. “The university appreciates all of the services offered by the BBP and has found them to be a valuable resource in our attempts to reduce our energy consumption.”

The university is currently in the process of implementing some lighting retrofits as well as completing new heating and cooling systems which incorporate variable drives for pumps and air handling units.

Project Snapshot

• Project cost:$529,935
• Annual electricity savings: 876,533 kWh
• Annual cost savings:$87,653
• Annual CO2 savings:843 tonnes CO2
• BBP Incentives :$ 70,981.35 (estimated)

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
toronto.ca/bbp

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