Case Study
Lighting upgrades
Suite of
upgrades
holds condo
fees steady
Juan Carlos Morales, Property Manager & John Goudey, Board Member
By the numbers
The Waterford Condominiums
upgraded to LED lighting in
hallways, stairwells, common
rooms, the garage and outdoors.
$151,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST
388,500 kWh/year
ENERGY SAVINGS
$19,500
INCENTIVE
$57,900
TOTAL ANNUAL COST SAVINGS*
2.3 YEARS
PAYBACK WITH INCENTIVE
*Calculations are based on an average electricity cost of
$0.15 per kWh.
Set in a thriving community with sweeping views of Lake Ontario, the
Waterford Condominiums are among the most coveted residences in the
area. Another selling point – the condo board is striving to make the
building a leader when it comes to energy efficiency.
After a 2012 boiler upgrade yielded favourable payback, the board
looked for more savings building-wide. When a subsequent lighting audit
revealed that the parking garage accounted for nearly half of the overall
lighting use in common areas, they immediately decided to pursue
upgrades in the garage, stairwells, hallways, party rooms and outdoors.
With a payback of just over two years, the proposal to upgrade to
more energy-efficient LED lighting was an easy sell to residents and
has reinforced confidence in the board. “Our mandate is to generate
value for our owners and mitigate fee increases,” says board member
John Goudey. “What we save gives us the flexibility to do more
building enhancements.”
Feedback from residents has been positive because of the noticeable
improvement in the quality of light in common areas. “Some building
improvements are like getting new tires for your car – no one really
notices, but you have to do it,” jokes board member Michele Martinson.
“This light has impact.”
“You don’t appreciate the impact of
lighting until you see it. When you
drive by the building, it doesn’t
just look good – it sparkles!”
Greg Tschernow, Board member
Reduced electricity, maintenance costs
In addition to nearly $58,000 in electricity savings, approximately
one-third of overall savings have been found within maintenance, as
the new LED lamps rarely need replacing. The upgrades have also
helped control condo fees for residents. Over four years, the board
has managed to keep fee increases to less than 1%.
Safety and style, indoors and out
For Martinson, the indoor lighting quality has greatly improved and
the exterior feels safer, especially for dog walkers. “The pathways
and the bus stop are illuminated. The lights have also improved
visibility for drivers.” To the board’s surprise, even the building’s
security cameras are more effective with LED lighting as facial
recognition is crisper and more detailed.
The board is looking to pursue additional upgrades
The building has also upgraded CO sensors on garage exhaust fans,
occupancy controls in garbage rooms and fitness areas and timers
on exterior lights. The board is currently planning another project to
outfit pumps with variable frequency drives. “We’ve already called
Toronto Hydro to start the process,” says Goudey. “We won’t stop
until we’re the most energy-efficient condo building in Toronto.”
Contact Us
We’ll help create an LED
solution for your business
416-542-3388
[email protected]
torontohydro.com/business
Subject to additional terms and conditions found at torontohydro.com/business. Subject to change without notice. Save on Energy is powered by the Independent
Electricity System Operator and brought to you by Toronto Hydro. OMOfficial Mark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence. ®A registered
trademark of Toronto Hydro Corporation used under licence. “Toronto Hydro” means Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited.
Make your case:
Get incentives to upgrade
Lighting upgrade projects can
qualify for incentives that offset
up to 50% of project costs.
LED lamps also count as an
operating rather than a capital
expense in your budget, so it’s
easy to get started.
Ask us how to combine other
upgrades with your lighting
project, such as occupancy
controls, to help maximize
your return on investment.