|
Release date: March 22, 2019
Energy and Water Reporting Benchmarking
Making Sense of Complicated New Reporting Requirements
July 1, 2019 Reporting Deadline
The Ministry of Energy has introduced mandatory requirements that will have an impact on the operation of buildings over 50,000 sq. ft. Called the Energy and Water Reporting Benchmarking Program (EWRB), this legislation was originally introduced as part of the Green Energy Act, 2009 but was later moved to the Electricity Act, 1998. The changes came into force on January 1, 2019.
What this means for condominium corporations is that there will now be reporting requirements related to energy and water consumption, depending on the size of the physical building structures on your property.
The Ministry of Energy will soon be embarking on an outreach program to help condominium corporations register for reporting, and provide guidance through the process. However, similar to the difficulties when the Condominium Authority of Ontario was established, they do not have accurate contact information for many buildings. CCI-Toronto will assist with communicating updates to our members as they become available.
What you should do now?
We encourage all Condominium Corporations to contact the EWRB Service Ontario Contact Centre at 1-844-274-0689 to update your contact information and obtain both an MPAC and EWRB reporting number. These details are vital in ensuring that you will be able to comply with the legislation.
You can also use this contact to inform the program if your building is less than 50,000 sq. ft. so that you will not be contacted to request compliance.
Measuring your building's size
The gross floor area of a single building or structure is equal to "the total number of square feet measured between the exterior surfaces of the enclosed fixed walls of the building or structure…including common areas and underground parking if not submetered" (https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-energy-and-water-reporting). For multiple buildings, combine the numbers using the same calculation.
Most condominium corporations can find this information in their most recent insurance appraisal. Not sure? Contact an energy consultant or engineer for guidance.
My condo has to comply – what now?
Step 1 – Collect consumption data
An energy consultant or engineer should be engaged to collect the data from the last calendar year (January 2018 to December 2018). We recommend consulting an expert as most condominiums have complicated metering set ups and it is important that you ensure your reporting is accurate and complies with the legislation.
Step 2 – Confirm the data is correct
If you did not use a consultant or engineer to collect the data, it will need to be confirmed as correct. This is mandatory in the first year for properties over 100,000 sq. ft. but still recommended for those between 50,000 and 100,000 sq. ft. Acceptable accreditations for qualified persons are:
- Building Energy Technology Certificate
- Building Operator Certification
- Building Science Specialist of Ontario
- Certified Building Commissioning Professional
- Certified Energy Auditor
- Certified Master Inspector
- Certified Measurement and Verification Professional
- Professional Engineers of Ontario
- Portfolio Manager Certification
The Ministry of Energy has not provided a list of accredited professionals, only examples of acceptable accreditations.
Step 3 – Input the data
Your consultant or engineer will then input the data into the Portfolio Manager software using the MPAC and EWRB numbers you obtained at the beginning of this process.
When must I comply?
Your first report will be due by July 1, 2019 and annually thereafter.
What support is CCI-Toronto offering?
CCI-Toronto is advocating for you through this process by providing feedback to the Ministry of Energy about how to simplify the program, but also educating their team about outreach and communication to the condominium industry.
|
