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Sustainability

Jun 04
Love0

Getting Ready for Summer

By Edon's Picks, Office, Sustainability No Comments

Preparing commercial buildings for summer is crucial to the comfort of occupants, energy efficiency, and addressing potential challenges associated with warmer weather. As temperatures rise, building managers take proactive steps to optimize building systems and enhance overall preparedness for summer conditions.

One of the primary considerations is the HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air  Conditioning), which is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Regular maintenance of HVAC units helps reduce pollutants, smoke and allergens, ensuring better indoor air quality. Optimizing HVAC systems can also prevent them from overworking, thereby saving energy and reducing costs.

Conducting an energy audit helps identify areas where energy is being wasted, such as gaps or leaks in windows, doors, and the building envelope. Sealing gaps prevents cool air from escaping and hot air from entering, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. It also keeps out smoke, pollution, pollen, and other outdoor elements that compromise indoor air quality and comfort.

Summer storms bring sudden intense weather changes with potential property damage, but regular inspections and maintenance of the building’s exterior and surrounding areas helps mitigate these risks. Emergency preparedness is essential for handling hail, rain, wind, and wildfires. Having a plan in place ensures critical operations continue during power outages or other emergencies.

Window treatments and lighting adjustments help manage indoor temperatures and energy usage. Window treatments can reduce heat from the sun, while indoor dimming systems can decrease electricity consumption and prevent the building from overheating. During summer, windows are cleaned and necessary repairs are made.

Landscaping around the building also influences energy efficiency. Foliage provides natural cooling by blocking direct sunlight, which reduces the building’s cooling load. Water usage for landscaping is carefully managed to maintain sustainability standards, and green spaces are maintained for curb appeal and tenant enjoyment.

Now that the snow has melted, it is time for roof maintenance. Inspecting and repairing the roof prevents leaks, which are more likely to occur during summer storms. Regular roof checks can also extend the lifespan of the roofing material and enhance the building’s energy efficiency by providing better insulation.

By optimizing the building for summer, we create a safe and comfortable space for everyone to enjoy.

Mar 06
Love0

Waste Diversion

By Edon's Picks, People and Culture, Sustainability No Comments

Diverting waste materials away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other waste management measures helps us minimize the environmental impact of our daily operations.

We’ve engaged Recycle Track Systems to handle our waste removal, a partnership which gives us a unique insight into the makeup and handling of waste at our properties. By reviewing the quarterly diversion rates provided by Recycle Track Systems, we can see where we’re doing well, where we may need to improve our processes and procedures, and tailor our building communications. We can draft messages to tenants, occupants, and our building staff on source reduction, for example, or promote responsible consumption practices. We can also incentivize by forwarding reminders on  how we use sensors our waste bins to measure fullness and trigger pickups rather than following a predetermined schedule – fewer pickups equals more money saved.

Our overall diversion rate for 2023 was 51.58%. In other words, a little over half of the waste produced at our properties stayed out of landfills. By continuing to promote responsible waste management and leading by example in our business strategies, we can push that number higher to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

 

Edon’s 2023 Total Tonnage = 321.58
  • Garbage                         155.70 tons               48%
  • Cardboard                       35.58 tons                11%
  • Mixed Recycling             61.18 tons                19%
  • Paper                                  0.62 tons                  1%
  • Organics                           68.50 tons                21%

 

Jan 11
Love2

Using Water Wisely

By Case Studies, Edon's Picks, Sustainability

The summer of 2023 was hot and dry, making lawncare and landscaping a challenge in Calgary. Temperatures were 20% above average while rainfall was 24% below the norm. Due to a record low of natural flow on both the Bow and the Elbow Rivers, the City of Calgary imposed water restrictions which came into effect in August.

However, changing how we irrigate has made all the difference at select Edon sites. We’re pleased to announce that our partnership with ExactET has yielded positive results for the second year in a row. ExactET uses special weather monitoring stations, real-time weather data, and landscaping needs to efficiently manage watering. This generates water savings without sacrificing the quality of lawn care.

The sites where ExactET manages our irrigation combined for an overall water savings of 43% in 2023. This represents over 7 million litres of water, a critical statistic in a year with so little rainfall.

We’re encouraged by this result and look forward to continued water savings throughout this partnership. With the likelihood of water restrictions continuing in the coming years, this type of monitoring helps keep us in line with our sustainability goals while continuing to offer well-kept properties.