Empowering Ottawa's Faith Communities

In the heart of Ottawa, faith communities are leading the charge towards a sustainable future.

Greening Sacred Spaces’ Energy Benchmarking Program has completed its fourth year of meticulously tracking and enhancing energy usage among Ottawa's diverse faith communities, including churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. In 2023, the Program gained more momentum as it delved even deeper into the data and produce comprehensive reports with the City of Ottawa’s “Better Buildings Ottawa” (BBO) Benchmarking and Auditing Program.

Participants in our program publicly benchmark their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to be showcased prominently on the Public Energy Performance Map. In return for their commitment to transparency and sustainability, the program provides communities with invaluable benefits. This collaboration not only highlights their dedication to environmental stewardship but also paves the way for innovative solutions and a more energy-efficient Ottawa.

Participants receive the following benefits through the City of Ottawa:

• An Energy Performance Scorecard and Insights Report

• Discounted thermal inspections for building envelopes

• Training programs covering building operations, strategic energy management, and organizational net-zero planning

• Access to site tours, case studies, and educational materials

• Future opportunities for retrofit financing

The Energy Performance Scorecard summarizes each building’s energy efficiency relative to similar structures in Ottawa. The reports evaluate the following metrics:

• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Intensity: Represents the greenhouse gas emissions per square foot per year of each building.

• Site Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Measures the amount of energy used in the building per square foot per year.

• Energy Star Portfolio Manager Score: Calculated by considering GHG intensity, site energy use intensity, total greenhouse gas emissions, and the building’s physical attributes and operations. This score provides an overall assessment of the building's energy efficiency.

Monthly energy performance graphs detail electricity and thermal energy usage, highlighting baseline consumption and energy source breakdowns (heating, cooling, etc.). The report concludes with personalized recommendations from Better Buildings Ottawa on enhancing energy efficiency. Suggestions range from simple measures like installing programmable thermostats and LED lights to larger projects such as window replacements or HVAC upgrades.

This past spring, on March 19, 2024, GSS hosted the Sustainable Practices for Faith Communities workshop in collaboration with BBO at Trinity Anglican Church. The event featured speakers like Ghida Arkadan from the City of Ottawa and Stephen Collette from Faith & the Common Good. Marie Hanchet of Better Buildings Ottawa led participants on a walking tour to Stone Abbey, showcasing sustainable real estate development. Energy auditors Stephen Dixon and Michelle Parent conducted an Energy Treasure Hunt at Trinity Anglican Church following the workshop.

The impacts of Greening Sacred Spaces’ Energy Benchmarking Program is clear as it celebrates another successful year of fostering energy efficiency among Ottawa's faith communities. Through collaboration with Better Buildings Ottawa, these partnerships have not only quantified energy usage but also empowered local congregations with actionable insights and resources; and by embracing transparency and striving for sustainability, faith communities are able to not only reduce their environmental footprint, but can also set a powerful example for others to follow.

Looking ahead, the journey towards greater energy efficiency continues and is guided by a shared commitment to preserving our planet and creating a more sustainable urban landscape.

Hannah Rockburn is the Board Chair of Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa.

Acknowledgment of Funders

This program was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ottawa Community Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment, and the City of Ottawa. Their funding has been instrumental in empowering faith communities across Ottawa to achieve significant energy efficiency improvements and environmental stewardship.