Navigating building regulations can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding Toronto’s Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) bylaw. But don’t worry—we’re here to simplify things for you.
Toronto’s EWRB regulations were introduced to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from buildings, which account for a significant portion of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. This bylaw is part of Toronto’s broader commitment to combating climate change and reaching net-zero emissions by 2040.
What Does the Toronto EWRB Bylaw Require? If you own or manage a building in Toronto, you may be required to:
• Report annually on energy and water usage: This includes collecting data on electricity, natural gas, water, and other utility consumption from all tenants.
• Benchmark your building’s performance: By using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, you’ll compare your building’s performance against similar properties.
• Submit your report by July 1 each year: The data is then used by the City of Toronto to track progress and identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.
Who needs to submit a Toronto EWRB? The bylaw applies to large buildings , with reporting requirements based on square footage:
• Buildings 10,000 square feet or larger are required to report by 2025 (with 2024 data) .
Now this is relatively new the law was passed in 2018 with the following requirements.
• Buildings 100,000 square feet or larger were required to start reporting in 2018 .
• Buildings 50,000 square feet or larger were required to report by 2019 .
What Are the Fines for Non-Compliance? Toronto takes its EWRB bylaw seriously, and failure to comply could result in significant fines:
1. For non-reporting:
Building owners who fail to submit their annual energy and water reports by the deadline could face penalties ranging from $5,000 to $1000,000 per infraction . This includes not only failing to submit data but also submitting incomplete or incorrect data. 2. For continued non-compliance:
• Repeat offenders or those who remain non-compliant for an extended period may face additional fines or enforcement actions from the city.
Toronto’s fines are intended to encourage compliance and ensure the city achieves its emissions reduction goals. As these regulations continue to evolve, the city has signaled that enforcement will likely become stricter in 2025.
Toronto EWRB vs. Ontario EWRB: What’s the Difference? Did you know there are two separate EWRB programs in play? Here’s how Toronto’s EWRB differs from the Ontario EWRB program :
1. Enforcement and Penalties:
• Toronto’s EWRB bylaw includes potential fines for non-compliance up to $100,000 as the city takes a strict approach to ensure reporting requirements are met.
• The Ontario EWRB program , on the other hand, currently does not impose fines for non-compliance. This makes compliance with Toronto’s EWRB far more critical for property owners in the city.
2. Focus on Local Impact:
• The Toronto EWRB is specific to properties within the City of Toronto and aligns with the city’s net-zero emissions goals for 2040.
• The Ontario EWRB program applies province-wide, offering a broader focus on benchmarking energy and water use but with less localized enforcement.
3. Program Alignment:
• Both programs use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for reporting, which helps property owners maintain consistent data collection.
Understanding these differences is crucial to ensuring compliance if you own or manage a property in Toronto.
Why Does This Matter? Buildings are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto, contributing to more than 50% of the city’s total emissions . By collecting and analyzing data through EWRB, property owners can identify inefficiencies, reduce energy and water usage, and ultimately lower their operating costs.
Beyond compliance, this regulation is a step toward building a more sustainable Toronto. It’s also a benchmark for other municipalities across Canada, encouraging the adoption of similar practices.
How Can Citera Help? We know managing EWRB compliance can feel daunting. That’s where we come in!
At Citera, we streamline the process by:
• Automating energy and water data collection for your building.
• Ensuring seamless compliance with Toronto’s EWRB requirements.
• Providing advanced analytics and recommendations to improve your building’s efficiency.
With Citera, you can focus on running your business while we take care of the regulations.
Not Sure Where to Start? If you’re confused by Toronto’s EWRB bylaw or need help getting started, reach out to us today.
Let’s work together to make compliance simple and pave the way toward a more sustainable future!
