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 | Case Studies | Presentations & Articles | Seminars | Reports

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 case studies (condo and rental apartment)
• Better Building Partnerships Retrofit Case Studies
• More BBP Retrofit Case Studies
• Enbridge Case Studies

Presentations and Articles 

• New rules for motion sensors can mean big savings

  • PowerPoint: New rules for motion sensors
  • PowerPoint: Integrating motion sensors in your building
     
• Fix it before it breaks – How proactive equipment replacement can reduce your energy costs and help you avoid costly repairs
    
• How Green Condos Became the Norm in Toronto - Jim Harris, Sustainable Builder Magazine
• Is solar PV a good FIT for your building? 
• What's your building worth?  -- How green retrofits can improve your building's value.

Seminars

• 1,2,3 . . . Go Green. This seminar co-sponsored by TAF's TowerWise program and the Canadian Condominium Institute on how condos can save money by improving energy efficiency.  (September 2010)
• Is Green Energy a Good FIT for Your Building - (February 2010)
   
• 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.)
   

• Financing your energy retrofit (October 2008) 

Reports 

• TowerWise Guide To High-Rise Retrofit Incentive Programs (2011): A summary of conservation incentive programs available to owners and operators of multi-unit residential buildings in the City of Toronto.

• Ontario Energy Efficiency Resource Guide (2009): 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 (2009): 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.
•  Building Towards the Future (2007): Practical advice for increasing comfort and reducing energy costs for your condo, apartment or co-op from smartliving St. Lawrence.