On Tuesday, October 19th, 2021, the City’s Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management approved the Better Buildings Ottawa Strategy to accelerate retrofits of large, privately owned buildings, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy outlines steps to transition these buildings to a low carbon future and the City’s role as a catalyst for this change.
A benchmarking and auditing program for such buildings would begin in 2021, and while participation would be voluntary initially, it would become mandatory over the next few years. To encourage building owners to participate, the City would offer free virtual audits and subsidized thermal audits. The strategy also recommends advocating to senior levels of government to help bring about required changes.
Recommendations from the meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, October 27.
