Environmental
Initiatives
Initiatives
BPO Properties' premier office properties are among the most technologically advanced in Canada with building features, systems and programs that foster environmental responsibility and the health and safety of our tenants.
Examples of the initiatives in place across the BPO Properties portfolio:
- Building automation systems installed to optimize the performance of the HVAC (Heat, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) systems and to reduce energy consumption.
- Thermal storage cooling (stored cooled water) to ensure the electrical supply is not adversely impacted during peak hours. Note: this is in place in buildings where storage capacity exists.
- Free cooling or the use river/lake water during the cooler months, providing cooling without the use of chillers, thereby reducing electrical costs.
- High-efficient chillers, utilizing ozone friendly refrigerants, installed to reduce electricity consumption in HVAC central plants.
- Participation in electric load shredding programs with utility providers to assist in energy conservation during periods of high demand.
- Development of an energy savings program to promote and assist energy conservation within tenant occupied areas.
- Tinted windows, UV film and blinds installed on the perimeter windows in an effort to reduce solar load and thereby reducing energy usage.
- Low-energy lighting systems, including high-efficiency lighting fixtures, occupancy sensors, perimeter day-lighting sensors and controls, and automated lighting systems for tenant and common areas.
- Individual electrical meters installed to monitor tenant consumption in an effort to promote energy conservation.
- High-efficient boilers installed in central plants to reduce consumption of natural gas and to assist in the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.
- Air-quality sensors, including carbon dioxide CO2 sensors and associated controls to minimize outside air cooling requirements.
- Environmentally sensitive fittings and finishes, such as low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) carpeting, paints, and furniture are incorporated into new office property developments.
- Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) installed to control air flow to specific areas, improving air circulation while reducing electricity consumption.
- Recycling of paper, cans, cardboard, organic waste to divert these materials from local landfill sites.
- Automatic flushometers installed on toilets and faucets, along with low flush toilets in restrooms to conserve water.
