Feb 21st, 2017

OCH Receives $70,000 from the City of Ottawa’s Energy Evolution Catalyst Projects Program

(OTTAWA) February 21, 2017 – Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) acknowledges the financial support from the City of Ottawa’s Energy Evolution Catalyst Projects Program. The $70,000 funds awarded will assist towards greening OCH operations and initiate the Tenant Engagement Pilot outlined in the corporation’s ECO² Plan.

The Energy Evolution Catalyst Projects Program provides funding to community partners for projects aimed at advancing energy conservation and efficiency, as well as generating renewable energy in Ottawa with a potential to scale the project up in the future, and measure community benefits. OCH’s Tenant Engagement Pilot was one of the eight projects chosen from 28 submissions.

The funds will enable OCH to install real time energy displays and monitoring systems in the lobbies of 4 piloted buildings with the goal of raising tenant awareness of their building’s energy consumption and increase energy conservation. Following the pilot period, energy savings equipment, such as programmable thermostats and LED lights will be installed in the homes of the tenants. Tenant education and engagement will remain a focus throughout the pilot period to ensure the energy savings are sustainable.

OCH is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint. Partnerships, such as the one between City of Ottawa and OCH, allow for the implementation of more innovative green initiatives. In line with its ECO² Plan, OCH is committed to building a sustainable future through leveraging relationships with partners such as Energy Ottawa, Hydro Ottawa, and Enbridge, who will be involved in carrying this project forward.

QUOTES

The City’s Energy Evolution initiative is a great new tool to help us build on our Renewable Energy Strategy, moving communities away from non-renewable fossil fuels and towards more efficient and renewable forms of energy. In providing $300,000 this year for eight pilot projects, including this OCH initiative, our hope is that each one will grow in scale, and serve as a catalyst for more innovation in the future.

Jim Watson – Mayor, City of Ottawa

 As one of the City of Ottawa’s largest utility consumers, Ottawa Community Housing has an important role to play in fostering and achieving environmentally sound practises. We are committed to seek ways to maximize environmental, social and financial successes resulting in more sustainable and healthy communities. City of Ottawa is an important partner and provides the support necessary for OCH to continue to develop and implement innovative green initiatives. We are grateful for this opportunity and excited to work together.

                          Stéphane Giguère – Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Community Housing

The benefits of the OCH Tenant Engagement Pilot will go far beyond lowering utility bills. It will reduce greenhouse gases and our carbon footprint. Working together with tenants builds a foundation for a sustainable future and brings a sense of pride, ownership and accountability. The pilot situates OCH as a leader in the housing sector.

                                                   Councillor Mathieu Fleury, Chair of the OCH Board of Directors

About OCH

Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) provides approximately 15,000 homes to over 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs, within many communities across the City of Ottawa. OCH houses a diverse population of varying languages, ethnicity and cultures. OCH is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, managing two-thirds of the City’s social housing portfolio, and is the second largest in Ontario.

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Media Relations:

Niki Kerimova | Media Relations & Events Coordinator | Ottawa Community Housing |
613-520-2277 | niki.kerimova@och.ca  | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook |

ottawa.ca

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