Concert Infrastructure and GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. and Ainsworth Inc. have teamed up to launch an innovative energy retrofit program aimed at improving energy efficiency in existing buildings across Canada. This initiative comes at a crucial time when many property owners are seeking sustainable solutions to reduce their environmental impact and operating costs.
The program focuses on providing financing for owners of institutional, commercial, and multi-residential buildings to upgrade their facilities with energy-efficient technologies and smart building solutions. By implementing measures like advanced lighting systems, efficient HVAC components, and superior insulation, the partnership aims to significantly cut energy consumption while enhancing building performance.
Concert Infrastructure brings its extensive experience in asset management and development, ensuring that the strategies employed are both effective and sustainable for the long term. Their expertise in managing large-scale projects allows them to oversee and execute retrofitting initiatives smoothly, ensuring minimal disruption to existing operations.
On the other hand, GDI Integrated Facility Services contributes its comprehensive knowledge of facility management. With their seasoned professionals, they can assess the unique needs of each building, crafting tailored solutions that align with the owner’s sustainability goals. Their ability to integrate cutting-edge technology into existing structures is a key component of the program’s success.
One of the standout features of this initiative is its focus on tailored financial models. By offering flexible financing options, the program removes the financial barriers often associated with retrofitting projects. This approach enables more property owners to adopt energy-efficient practices without the burden of significant upfront costs. Through these models, building owners can experience immediate savings and reinvest in further sustainability improvements.
The collaboration emphasizes a holistic approach to building upgrades, focusing on not just immediate energy savings but also long-term sustainability and resilience. This mindset prepares buildings to meet future regulatory requirements and market demands while enhancing their overall value.
Moreover, the program includes performance monitoring tools that allow owners to track their energy savings and environmental impact in real time. These tools provide valuable data that can be used to make informed decisions about ongoing maintenance and future investments.
Concert and GDI’s initiative represents a significant step forward in the construction and engineering industries’ response to climate change and energy consumption challenges. By offering scalable solutions that cater to a wide range of building types, the program stands as a model for others in the industry to follow.
“By bundling retrofit projects into a structured portfolio, we’re creating an efficient investment vehicle that maximizes both financial and environmental outcomes—generating emissions reductions, supporting job creation and delivering long-term value for the pension plans that own us. With a clear focus on sustainability, resilience and social impact, we’re planning not just for today, but for the future of our communities.”
Derron Bain, CEO of Concert Infrastructure
Services made possible by this partnership include initial energy audits, energy modelling, system design, installation, commissioning, measurement and ongoing energy management, data analytics and energy optimization.
This energy retrofit program not only promises environmental benefits but also positions buildings to remain competitive in the market by enhancing their appeal to eco-conscious tenants and investors. Once the projects are complete, it is estimated to result in a reduction of approximately 44,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Estimates indicate that about 500 jobs in the trades sector will be supported by the projects.
Ultimately, through this partnership, Concert Infrastructure and GDI Integrated Facility Services aim to foster a culture of sustainability and innovation in the building management sector, paving the way for a greener and more efficient future.
