Mid-tier building owners and managers juggling multiple priorities now have valuable allies in their sustainability journey. The BOMA Enspire program offers supportive funding and guidance specifically designed to help Class B and C building professionals unlock energy saving potential in ways that respect their unique challenges and constraints. “Focusing on the mid-tier building sector, which makes up over 65% of Canada’s total building stock, offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate operational standards across the industry,” shares Bala Gnanam, Vice President of Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada.
BOMA Canada is delivering this program with funding through the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI). Since its launch in Fall 2024, BOMA Enspire has engaged with over 11,000 buildings across Canada, with more than 200 participating in its first funding initiative, the Quick-Start Audit Initiative. Building on this encouraging response, the program will soon introduce the Building Performance Excellence Initiative this spring. The upcoming Building Performance Excellence Initiative will offer a flexible menu of support through three complementary streams:
- Energy Opportunity Identification: Funding for audits and technical studies
- Building Performance Optimization: Support for recommissioning, monitoring systems, and green building certifications
- Deep Retrofit Enablement: Resources for planning, design, and management of major retrofits. Participants can receive support for up to 80% of eligible costs, with combined project caps of up to $125,000 per building. This flexible structure allows building owners and managers to select the activities that best address their specific needs and priorities.
All BOMA Enspire enrollees will have access to a robust education series, certification training, and information sessions providing valuable insights to improve their building’s performance. Understanding that mid-tier building professionals excel at maintaining day-to-day operations despite often having limited resources, BOMA Enspire helps owners and managers navigate what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process: determining emissions profiles and creating practical savings plans aligned with their unique goals, resources, and budgets. Qualified and experienced energy management and sustainability professionals serve as guides, offering their expertise to make success accessible. Industry service providers have been instrumental in connecting their clients with BOMA Enspire and providing guidance through the enrollment process. To strengthen these vital connections, BOMA Enspire will launch its Service Provider Directory this spring, creating a trusted resource to help building owners and operators connect with qualified professionals, streamlining the path to building improvements.
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE WHILE BENEFITING TODAY
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, proactive building improvements are increasingly important. While the full details of future compliance requirements are still developing, it’s reasonable to expect that buildings not meeting minimum performance standards could face financial penalties. Inaction at this time will inevitably lead to consequences in the near future.
“Enhancing the everyday experience of building occupants is key to driving tenant satisfaction and long-term retention,” notes Benjamin Shinewald, President & CEO of BOMA Canada. “While immediate business needs often take priority, neglecting updates ultimately impacts usability, tenant comfort, and your bottom line. By addressing these issues proactively through programs like BOMA Enspire, owners create not just more sustainable buildings, but more profitable ones as well.”
The BOMA Enspire program offers a practical path forward that delivers multiple benefits: operational cost savings, enhanced appeal to tenants, and preparation for future regulatory requirements. By making sustainability more accessible for mid-tier buildings, the program helps transform challenges into opportunities for the commercial real estate sector.
Building owners and managers interested in getting ahead of regulatory requirements while capturing significant operational benefits can begin their energy savings journey today. The program website at www.bomaenspire.ca provides comprehensive information, while the support team is available via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-BOMA-511 (1-877-266-2511).
