Vancity Sustainable Excellence

BC Hydro has nominated Vancity again for the Power Smart Excellence Leadership Award, which will be presented in October 2014. The distinction is granted to organizations, which rank in the highest category of energy efficiency leadership and have a history of continuous improvement in reducing energy consumption.

Since 1992, we have undertaken a major effort to make our operations more energy efficient through rigorous preventative maintenance, energy efficient lighting; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning upgrades, system and building envelope improvements. Since 1992, these efforts are estimated to have contributed to a combined energy savings of $5,595,892.73.

LEED certification

Vancity has three branches that have achieved LEED certification: Branch 46-Lynn Creek Branch 6 Burnaby Heights (2014) and Branch 33-Shaughnessy Station. Branches 6 and 33 have achieved LEED Gold CI (Commercial Interiors) (2014) certification and Branch 46 achieved LEED Silver NC (New Construction) (2005). LEED Canada Commercial Interiors is a recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy, productive places to work; are less costly to maintain; and have a reduced environmental footprint. Documentation has been submitted for the certification of community branches 17- South Burnaby and Branch 68- Mount Tolmie.

Energy savings

Vancity is committed to a further reduce our total energy use as a part of our environmental sustainability program. Through the continuous optimization project, which was completed in 2013, it is estimated we will see a 5.8% annual reduction in electrical usage, 34.5% reduction in annual gas usage and a 29% annual GHG reduction.

Through Vancity's energy management and capital upgrades, we've generated more than $5.6 million in energy savings in our buildings since 1992. Vancity encourages us all to get smart about energy savings.

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