A new Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has been signed to continue with Canadian enhancements and updates to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager—a free online energy-benchmarking platform for commercial and institutional buildings.
The tool is widely used by government, industry, and professionals alike to deliver energy savings programs and sustainability initiatives. It allows building owners and managers to monitor energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and water and waste consumption. Energy performance can also be compared with similar buildings to inform decisions on energy efficiency upgrades and improvements.
“Canada and the United States are doubling down on climate action,” said Seamus O’Regan Jr., minister of natural resources. “This agreement is another step we’re taking together toward a net-zero future.”
The signing of the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement builds on the unique relationship between the two countries, forged by common interests and economic ties, and will further enhance cooperation in the area of energy efficiency. It also ensures the tool remains relevant for Canadian users through planned enhancements that include new and updated ENERGY STAR scores for the most common building types in Canada, a new GHG emission comparison feature, and updated Canadian metrics and French content.
“Improving energy efficiency in buildings is essential to achieving our ambitious climate targets,” said Michael S. Regan, administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Today’s agreement with Natural Resources Canada will continue a 10-year research partnership between our agencies, empowering American and Canadian building owners to reduce energy use, save on costs and cut climate pollution.”
According to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency measures could get the world one-third of the way toward its Paris 2030 targets and help us reach net-zero emissions by 2050. According to the Government of Canada, it continues to support smarter energy initiatives that build a healthier and cleaner future, while creating new jobs and driving economic prosperity for all Canadians.
