Below are a number of types of material that can help you better understand the value of energy efficient buildings. Be sure to check out our Resource database for links to websites and agencies that can also provide useful information and advice.

Calculators

• An overview of payback measures. [PDF file] This chart explains measures such as IRR and NOI and their strengths and weaknesses for measuring financial returns. If you're not already familiar with these measures, read this before using the calculators below.
   
• Financial return and building value calculators.  The new online financial return calculators will show you three common measures: internal rate of return, return on investment, and simple payback.  The building value calculator will show you the increase in building value that results from increased cash flow.
   
• EnergyStar Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator. [Excel file] Calculate the cash flow benefits of a retrofit and the cost of waiting for lower interest rates. 
   
• Green Footstep: Developed by the Rocky Mountain Institute, Green Footstep is a free online carbon calculator for reducing carbon emissions in building construction and retrofit projects.  

   

  Case studies
• Towerwise - Better Building Partnerships Retrofit Case Studies
• More BBP Retrofit Case Studies
• Enbridge Case Studies

FAQs

• Frequently Asked Questions about TAF's green lending program (PDF 26.8 Kb)

Presentations and Articles

• TAF's Green Condo Loan Program: Why we need it and what we have achieved. PowerPoint presentation.
   
• Ecology and Economy: Can they go hand-in-hand in a condominium retrofit? Article from Summer 2007 edition of The Condo Voice (PDF 285 Kb)
   
• Energy Retrofits: What are we waiting for? PowerPoint presentation.
   
• Presentation videos: Finance issues for energy retrofits from the Green Communities Time for Action Conference

• New service provides one-window information on energy efficiency incentives. Article from October 2008 edition of Building Blocks.

• New one-stop service provides energy efficiency information for condos. Article from Winter 2009 edition of The Condo Voice.

• Found in Translation: A new langauge for energy efficiency retrofits. Article from the May 2009 edition of the Journal of Policy Engagement.
• The Importance of Energy Management Firms. Article from Conservation Conversations.
• Time is Running Out for Incentives: Presentation with overview of incentives and case studies of efficiency retrofits.
• The Importance of Energy Monitoring: Presentation outlining the value of monitoring your buildings energy-use over time.

Webinars

• Greater Toronto Apartment Association - Go Green and Go Home.  An overview of the benefits of energy retrofits and 10 technology snapshots - June 2009.
   
• TowerWise Condo Retrofit Webinar- October 2008.

Reports

• Building Towards the Future: Practical advice for increasing comfort and reducing energy costs for your condo, apartment or co-op from smartliving St. Lawrence. 
   
• Ontario Energy Efficiency Resource Guide: The Ontario Energy Efficiency Resource Guide aims to provide current information about the many programs, financial incentives, and resources that are available to help Ontarians to conserve and to achieve greater energy efficiency.

• Tower Renewal Guidelines: The Tower Renewal Guidelines summarizes the results of applied research conducted at the University of Toronto directed at assisting owners, designers, restoration contractors, and regulatory officials to ensure that the full benefits of tower renewal are achieved.

• TowerWise Guide To High-Rise Retrofit Incentive Programs: A summary of conservation incentive programs available to owners and operators of multi-unit residential buildings in the City of Toronto.