Community Dashboard: Corporate building energy usage intensity
Rationale and analysis
Why this measurement is important
This indicator matters as it shows the level of energy consumption across the Niagara Region's corporate properties.
This indicator is directly proportional to the greenhouse gas emissions and targets.
It is useful in comparing to similar and best-in-class buildings.
How we measure this data
As reported by Corporate Services, Construction, Energy and Facilities Management.
This indicator is calculated by adding the total kilowatt-hours of electricity to the total equivalent kilowatt-hours of natural gas and dividing both by the total area of the Niagara Region corporate buildings as measured in square feet.
Progress and advancements
Niagara Region has a target of 32.65 equivalent kilowatt hours per square foot of its corporate properties, which is the Ontario average for these types of buildings, to be achieved by the end of 2023.
Both internal and external factors impact this target.
Internally, projects that will bring in more energy efficient buildings and equipment/ processes will reduce energy use and, therefore, emissions.
External factors are weather (which we cannot control, except by focusing on improving building envelopes such as insulation and windows to reduce the impacts of temperature swings) and human behaviours (such as people using computers and leaving lights on or doors open).
About this indicator
This indicator includes a combination of electricity in kilowatt-hours and natural gas in equivalent kilowatt-hours, per square foot of Niagara Region corporate property.
More information
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
