The OAA Headquarters has made significant progress toward achieving net-zero operation, as detailed in comprehensive reports by the National Research Council (NRC) that also show how the building’s recent renewal improved occupant well-being. (NRC has been actively monitoring the Toronto-area building through sub-metering, as well as occupant surveying.)

Part of the Association’s commitment to climate action, the post-renovation assessments illustrate a substantial reduction in net electricity usage, resulting in annual savings of $200,000 and 120 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Electricity use is 85% lower, plug loads have been reduced by 65%, and use of natural gas for heating has been eliminated entirely. Additionally, the maximum hourly lighting load during winter has decreased by eight times.

Available for download are two reports: “Energy Monitoring of Ontario Association of Architects Headquarters Building,” by Farid Bahiraei and Vera Hu, and “Occupancy Evaluations: Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Case Study,” by Natalia Cooper, Anca Galasiu, Sandra Mancini, Chantal Arsenault, and Patrick Gauthier.

As described in these reports, these achievements surpass the Energy Star benchmark. Further, surveyed building users expressed high satisfaction, particularly with natural light, window views, and collaborative spaces. Areas for improvement remain, however, and the study found focused work is still necessary in bridging and heating/cooling systems, with further testing planned.