Insights - SPG Blog

How to Select the Right Commissioning Provider for Building Retrofits

Sustainable Projects Group — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Choosing the right commissioning partner is critical to ensuring your decarbonization project delivers measurable outcomes, meets safety standards, and maximizes funding opportunities.

Understanding the Critical Role of Commissioning in Decarbonization Projects

Building commissioning is not a compliance checkbox—it is the technical backbone that transforms capital investment into measurable outcomes. In decarbonization projects, commissioning ensures that designed efficiency gains are realized, that mechanical systems operate as intended under real-world conditions, and that energy and greenhouse gas reductions are quantified and verified over time. Without rigorous commissioning, even well-designed retrofits can underperform by 15–30%, eroding financial returns and undermining emission reduction targets.

For portfolio performance directors and asset managers, commissioning is the link between feasibility studies and long-term operational success. It begins with validating baseline conditions through energy audits and building condition assessments, continues through design review and construction oversight, and extends into post-occupancy measurement and verification. A qualified commissioning partner does not simply document deficiencies—they provide actionable decision input that informs capital planning, aligns retrofit scope with funding eligibility, and ensures that every measure installed contributes to the building's decarbonization pathway.

In the Canadian context, commissioning also plays a pivotal role in accessing public and utility funding. Programs administered by BC Hydro, Natural Resources Canada, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) increasingly require third-party verification of energy savings and system performance. Selecting a commissioning provider who understands these requirements—and who can deliver reports structured for funding applications—directly impacts the speed and certainty of capital recovery. Commissioning is not overhead; it is the mechanism that de-risks investment and protects the integrity of your decarbonization strategy.

Essential Credentials and Technical Expertise to Evaluate in a Commissioning Partner

Not all commissioning providers bring the same depth of technical capability or regulatory fluency. When evaluating potential partners, begin by verifying credentials that signal competence in building systems analysis, energy modeling, and quality assurance. Look for designations such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Commissioning Authority (CCA), or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration in relevant provinces. These credentials indicate formal training in system diagnostics, adherence to engineering standards, and accountability under professional liability frameworks.

Technical expertise must extend beyond HVAC systems to encompass building envelope performance, electrical infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and control system programming. A qualified partner should demonstrate proficiency in calibrated energy modeling tools such as RETScreen or EnergyPlus, familiarity with building automation system (BAS) protocols, and experience conducting integrated energy audits that link mechanical performance to capital planning. Ask prospective providers for case studies that illustrate their ability to identify low-cost operational improvements, evaluate demand response opportunities, and assess the feasibility of renewable measures such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems or heat recovery technologies.

Equally important is the provider's understanding of safety and building code compliance. Decarbonization projects often involve electrification measures, electrical capacity upgrades, and changes to ventilation or life safety systems. Your commissioning partner must be able to identify code conflicts, coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction, and ensure that retrofit designs meet National Building Code (NBC) and provincial safety standards. Providers who integrate safety protocols into every phase of commissioning—from pre-retrofit assessments to final acceptance testing—reduce project risk and protect building occupants.

Finally, evaluate the provider's track record with funding program requirements. Commissioning deliverables for programs such as BC Hydro's Multi-Unit Residential Building (MURB) Incentive Program or CMHC's Affordable Housing Retrofit Program must meet specific reporting formats, verification protocols, and timeline milestones. A partner who has successfully supported funding applications can accelerate approvals, minimize documentation rework, and ensure that your project qualifies for maximum rebate tiers.

Aligning Commissioning Scope with Your Capital Planning and Funding Requirements

Effective commissioning begins with a scope of work that is tailored to your portfolio's capital planning horizon and funding strategy. A misaligned scope—too narrow to capture system interdependencies or too broad to be actionable—wastes time and budget. Before engaging a provider, clarify whether your priority is immediate operational optimization, multi-year retrofit planning, or a combination of both. This clarity allows the commissioning team to structure their investigation, testing, and reporting to deliver outputs that directly inform board presentations, capital budgets, and funding applications.

For properties pursuing deep energy retrofits, commissioning should be embedded within an integrated feasibility study that evaluates energy, greenhouse gas, and capital cost scenarios over a 10- to 20-year timeline. This approach—combining Level 2 or Level 3 energy audits with building condition assessments and remaining useful life analysis—produces a prioritized retrofit roadmap that aligns measure implementation with equipment replacement cycles. The result is a capital plan that minimizes disruption, maximizes funding eligibility, and sequences investments to compound energy savings over time.

If your portfolio is targeting specific funding programs, ensure that the commissioning scope includes all required deliverables. For example, BC Hydro's MURB program may require electrical capacity assessments, EV Ready planning reports, and modeled energy savings for each proposed measure. CMHC's Affordable Housing Retrofit Program demands pre-retrofit energy modeling, emissions reduction forecasts, and post-retrofit measurement and verification. A commissioning provider who understands these requirements from the outset can structure their work to satisfy program criteria without costly scope revisions or timeline delays.

Transparency around cost and schedule is equally critical. Request a detailed scope proposal that breaks down investigation phases, deliverable milestones, and reporting timelines. Understand how the provider handles changes in scope—such as discovering unforeseen building conditions or adjusting measure recommendations based on funding program updates. A strong commissioning partnership is built on clear communication, realistic timelines, and shared accountability for delivering actionable next steps that move your decarbonization project forward.

Evaluating Integration Capabilities from Energy Audits to Execution

One of the most significant differentiators among commissioning providers is their ability to integrate analysis, planning, and execution support within a single engagement. Many firms excel at conducting standalone energy audits but lack the engineering capacity to translate findings into construction-ready designs. Others provide detailed modeling but offer limited support during procurement, contractor coordination, or post-installation verification. For portfolio leaders managing complex decarbonization timelines, a provider who can bridge these gaps—from initial diagnostics through to construction management and measurement and verification—reduces coordination overhead and ensures continuity of technical oversight.

When evaluating integration capabilities, ask how the provider structures the transition from audit to action. Do they produce schematic-level retrofit designs, or do they stop at high-level recommendations? Can they support procurement by developing performance specifications, reviewing contractor bids, and evaluating value engineering proposals? Are they equipped to provide construction oversight, commissioning plan development, and functional performance testing? A provider with in-house engineering, project management, and field verification capacity can act as a single point of accountability, reducing the risk of miscommunication, scope gaps, or performance shortfalls.

Software tools also play a critical role in integration. Providers who use dynamic energy management platforms—such as JOBI Software—can preserve utility data, retrofit scenarios, and decision rationale in a centralized system that supports long-term capital planning and continuous improvement. This continuity is especially valuable for portfolios with multi-phase retrofit strategies, where each project phase builds on the findings and baselines established in prior work. Static spreadsheets and disconnected reports make it difficult to track progress, update models, or compare actual performance against forecasts. A provider who offers software-enabled integration delivers not just a report, but a decision support system.

Finally, assess the provider's ability to coordinate with other stakeholders in your project ecosystem. Decarbonization projects often involve architects, mechanical contractors, electrical engineers, envelope consultants, and renewable energy installers. A commissioning provider who can facilitate stakeholder workshops, lead design reviews, and integrate inputs from multiple disciplines ensures that system interactions are understood, constructability issues are addressed early, and the final retrofit scope is technically coherent and financially viable.

Building a Long-Term Partnership for Continuous Improvement and Measurable Outcomes

Decarbonization is not a one-time event—it is a continuous improvement journey that unfolds over years and adapts to evolving technology, funding availability, and operational priorities. Selecting a commissioning provider with the capacity and commitment to support your portfolio over the long term delivers compounding benefits: institutional knowledge of your buildings, consistency in data and modeling approaches, and streamlined execution as each project phase builds on prior work. A long-term partnership transforms commissioning from a transactional service into a strategic capability that enhances decision-making and accelerates progress toward net-zero targets.

When evaluating providers for long-term collaboration, consider their approach to measurement and verification (M&V). Post-retrofit M&V studies are essential for validating that installed measures deliver expected energy and greenhouse gas reductions, for satisfying funding program requirements, and for refining performance assumptions in future retrofit phases. A provider who structures M&V as an ongoing process—tracking utility data, adjusting baselines for occupancy or weather changes, and reporting performance annually—enables you to demonstrate progress to boards, investors, and regulators with confidence.

Long-term partnerships also support adaptive capital planning. As funding programs evolve, new technologies mature, or building conditions change, your commissioning partner should be able to update energy models, re-evaluate measure priorities, and adjust implementation schedules without starting from scratch. This agility is only possible when the provider maintains a living record of your portfolio's energy use, system conditions, and retrofit history. Ask prospective partners how they structure data preservation, model updates, and ongoing technical support beyond initial project delivery.

Finally, assess cultural fit and communication style. A successful long-term partnership requires mutual trust, transparency around challenges, and a shared commitment to measurable outcomes. Look for providers who demonstrate genuine interest in understanding your organization's goals, who communicate technical findings in language accessible to non-engineers, and who approach problems collaboratively rather than defensively. The right commissioning partner does not just deliver useful output—they become an extension of your team, providing the technical expertise and strategic support that enables your portfolio to achieve ambitious decarbonization targets safely, efficiently, and profitably.

BC Hydro MURB's Incentive Program - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:04:07 GMT

MURB's in BC are eligible for up to 100% funding to carry out integrated Energy Audits, EPR, and EV Ready studies on your facilities.

Incentive Opportunities for BC Strata

Opportunity Assessment: Complete assessment of facility systems and equipment in order to identify energy efficiency options. Includes:

– Analysis of facility & equipment, including energy use breakdown

– Low to no cost tips to improve facility energy efficiency

Feasibility Study: A detailed technical and financial analysis for the specific retrofits the building is ready to undertake.

Electrical Planning Report (EPR): It is mandatory for strata complexes to complete an EPR to document the electrical capacity and needed upgrades for strata across the province of BC.

EV Ready Plan: A strategy that provides a minimum of one EV Ready parking space per residential unit – future-proofing your building to provide all residents with a simple process to access EV charging at their parking space.

The Benefits

Make energy efficiency upgrades that reduce energy bills.
Make valuable, whole-building retrofits at a lower cost.
Increase your property’s value and lifespan by investing in modern equipment.
Improve your building’s comfort and resilience to extreme weather with new insulation, windows, and/or by adding cooling with heat pumps.

Opportunity Assessment:

Optional Add-Ons:

BC Hydro is covering 100% of the costs for the Opportunity Assessment through Alliance Partners like SPG.

Contact SPG Today!

Discover how SPG can help you unlock substantial savings for your energy efficiency projects.

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BC Hydro Solar & Battery Rebate Program - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 21:08:57 GMT

BC Hydro is offering customers a new solar and battery rebate program. Discover how to take advantage of these rebates today.

Why Participate?

The program is offering 50% -75% funding for solar PV and battery storage systems. Save on initial investment with significant rebates, gain energy independence, lower your carbon footprint, and increase your property value with solar and battery systems.

Project Eligibility

BC Hydro provides generous rebates to support the installation of solar PV panels and battery storage systems. These incentives aim to reduce the upfront costs and encourage the adoption of renewable energy solutions across various sectors. Below are the rebate details for different customer groups. Contact SPG for the latest funding availability.

Who Can Participate

Business Customers: Small General Service, Medium General Service, Large General Service, and grid-connected
Multi-Family Buildings: Includes property managers, strata councils, and building owners
Social Housing Providers: Eligible social housing providers
Indigenous Communities: Indigenous customers living on-reserve and Indigenous governing bodies in grid-connected areas
Remote Microgrids: Customers in non-integrated areas served by microgrids not connected to BC Hydro’s integrated system

Next Steps!

Consult with SPG: Learn more about project eligibility, application requirements, and secure quotes for your project.
Prepare Application: Gather all necessary documentation and prepare your application for the rebate program.
Submit Application: Submit your completed application within the designated application window.
Implement Project: Once approved, carry out the installation of solar panels and/or battery storage systems with qualified professionals.
Claim Rebate: Submit proof of project completion and payment to receive your rebate.

Contact SPG Today!

Discover how SPG can help you unlock substantial savings for your energy efficiency projects.

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CMHC Affordable Housing Retrofit Program - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:53:54 GMT

CMHC is supporting Canadians reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, providing Retrofit Funding for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings.

Why Participate?

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is providing substantial financial support to carry out deep energy retrofits. Deep energy retrofits reduce operating costs and enhance resident comfort, while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving building resilience. These upgrades not only ensure long-term affordability but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

With available funding, eligible building owners can significantly improve their assets with minimal upfront costs.

Over $1 billion in combined grants, forgivable, and repayable loans is available for both pre-retrofit and retrofit activities.

Access up to $130,000 per project for pre-retrofit activities and up to $170,000 per unit for retrofit activities, with combination repayable and forgivable loans (forgivable loans up to 80% of retrofit costs).

Project Eligibility:

The program funds deep energy retrofits for multi-unit affordable housing (5+ units) for low- and moderate-income households and those most in need.

Projects should target 70% reduction in energy consumption, relative to pre-retrofit performance, and 80% reduction in GHG emissions.

Funding is available for both Pre-Retrofit and Retrofit funding.

Pre-Retrofit

Building Condition Assessments
Energy Audits (ASHRAE 3 or equivalent)
Energy Modelling Studies
Project Drawings and Specifications
Engineering Studies
Construction Cost Estimate
Business Case Development
Environmental Site Assessments/Hazardous Materials Report
Site Surveys

Retrofit

Retrofit measures, systems, software, and/or equipment that increase energy efficiency and decrease GHG emissions
Repair and maintenance that enables or is dependent on the retrofit
Renewable energy measures
Climate resiliency measures
Hard and soft costs
Closing costs related to the loan

For all projects, costs must be reviewed and recommended by a recognized professional, such as an Energy Advisor, Engineer, or Quantity Surveyor.

Who Can Participate?

Next Steps!

Talk to SPG about the CMHC Affordable Housing Retrofit Funding Program for more details on project eligibility, application requirements, and to secure quotes on both pre-retrofit and retrofit activities.
Prepare an application for pre-retrofit activities and submit during the application window*
Carry out pre-retrofit activities with a qualified consultant
Work with your consultant to complete the CGAH Retrofit Funding Assessment Calculator and prepare a detailed retrofit scope of work
Submit an application for retrofit funding with pre-retrofit documentation

*Note: The completion of a BCA, Energy Audit, and Energy Modelling Study are required for Retrofit Funding

Contact SPG Today!

Discover how SPG can help you unlock substantial savings for your energy efficiency projects.

ZEVIP Program by NRCan - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:00:03 GMT

NRCan is supporting Canadians in building Zero Emission Vehicle infrastructures through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

Why Participate

The program is now open for applications until September 19, 2024. Don’t miss out on this electrifying opportunity!

Funding Availability:

50% of project costs covered
Up to $5M per project
Per charger limits apply (see the table below for specifics)

Funding Streams:

Public EV Charging:
- Corridor infrastructure: Highways and core routes
- Community infrastructure: Public areas, especially those filling gaps in the network
Private EV Charging:
- Existing buildings (e.g., Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs), workplaces, fleets)
- Minimum installation requirements:
  - Two (2) fast chargers (50 kW+)
  - Twenty (20) Level 2 or 3 chargers
- Public installations must be available 24/7 (or according to site operating hours)

Electric Utilities

Indigenous Businesses & Community Groups

Companies

Strata or Condo Corporations

Industry Associations

Provincial, Territorial, Regional, or Municipal Governments or their departments/agencies

Learn More!

Contact SPG Today

Sustainable Projects Group (SPG) is here to power up your application process! We regularly assist clients in securing funding for EV chargers. Let’s work together to make your project a reality!

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Multi-Unit Residential Solar Rebate Program - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 09:00:42 GMT

The City of Edmonton is supporting Edmontonians install solar systems on their multi-unit residential properties to produce renewable energy.

Why Participate?

Turn Your Home into a Tiny Power Plant: With Edmonton soaking up 2,300 hours of sunshine each year — one of Canada’s sunniest cities — solar panels can generate up to 100% of your building’s electricity needs. Applications are open on a first-come, first-serve basis while funding lasts.

Funding Availability:

Receive $0.50/watt towards the cost of the system
Properties must have 4 or more permitted units, covering project costs up to $4,000 per dwelling
Maximum of $100,000 total rebate per property owner per calendar year
Eligible systems must be installed & documented by December 16, 2024

How to Apply!

Application Process: Apply online at SolarAB.ca. Two-part application includes project information, quotes, and completion details.
Project Requirements: Compliant with Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation, designed by a qualified installer listed in approved directories. Additional requirements apply.

Who Can Participate?

Duplex Housing

Secondary Suites

Backyard Housing

Semi-Detached Housing

Multi-Unit Housing

Single Detached Housing

Row Housing

Learn More!

Contact SPG Today

Discover how SPG can help you unlock substantial savings for your energy efficiency projects.

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Community Energy Conservation Program - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:00:12 GMT

The CEC Program helps municipalities become energy-efficient by providing rebates for identifying energy-saving opportunities and implementing retrofits in municipal facilities.

Why Participate

The CEC program offers solutions to these challenges:

Identify: Find energy-saving opportunities in your facilities
Implement: Carry out energy-saving projects effectively
Improve: Make your buildings more comfortable for staff, guests, and the entire community

The Benefits:

Energy Savings: Cut down on energy consumption and utility bills
Cost Savings: Reduce operational costs with the latest, most efficient technologies
Comfort: Enhance the comfort and usability of your buildings for everyone

Funding Availability:

Municipalities can receive up to $500,000 in support for energy audits and retrofits in various municipally owned facilities. Conditions apply.

Energy Audits: Get up to 50% of pre-GST audit costs covered, up to $7,500 per facility
Retrofit Projects: Receive 25-50% of pre-GST project costs, depending on the abatement rate
Retrofit Project Bonus: Earn an extra 10% rebate if your project reduces facility-wide emissions by 20% or more

Who Can Participate?

Recreation centres, arenas, and pools

Fire halls & emergency operations buildings

Public works buildings

Water & wastewater treatment facilities

Libraries, offices, town halls, & community halls

Plus more! Eligibility for other facilities is determined on a case-by-case basis

Learn More!

Contact SPG Today

Discover how SPG can help you unlock substantial savings for your energy efficiency projects.

Get In Touch

Emerald Awards 2024: Environmental Excellence in Business - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 09:00:31 GMT

"It all started with a passion for sustainability, a desire to make a real difference, and a determination to tackle emissions head-on."

– Tayber Yastremski, President

We are absolutely honored to be this years’ recipient of the 2024 Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence in Business for our innovative and impactful solutions for decarbonization. The Alberta Emerald Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding environmental achievements across all sectors in Alberta.

SPG was selected as the winner from among three finalists in the Environmental Excellence in Business category, which honours businesses that are raising the bar in addressing environmental and climate change issues. SPG was recognized for our holistic approach to energy efficiency and carbon reduction in the built environment through our many services, including:

Completing over 3,500 Energy Audits and Building Condition Assessments, where we identified millions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and energy reduction opportunities and supporting building owners and municipalities develop strategies to reduce their energy consumption, minimize emissions, and save on operating costs.

Developing a revolutionary new energy management software (JOBI) which will accelerate the rate of decarbonization across Canada.

Installing dozens of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers across Albertan municipalities, strengthening our charging infrastructure network.

Implementing LED lighting upgrades at hundreds of buildings, from northern elementary schools to post-secondary institutions such as SAIT, multi-family residences, and downtown office buildings in Calgary and Edmonton

Carrying out deep energy retrofits for multi-family residential portfolios and Indigenous community buildings, resulting in significant emissions reductions and safer, healthier buildings.

Launching a Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative, in partnership with Four Winds & Associates, that will provide free energy assessments and support for every First Nations and Metis communities across Alberta.

Securing over $30M in funding for our clients to carry out their sustainability goals.

The award was presented at the Calgary Public Library on June 6, 2024, hosted by the Alberta Emerald Foundation. We would like to thank the foundation, the judges, and our clients for their support and recognition. We would also like to congratulate the other finalists and winners for their amazing contributions to environmental stewardship and innovation.

SPG is celebrating 10 years in the energy efficiency sector this year; This award is a testament to our commitment to revolutionizing the built environment and reducing emissions. We are honoured to be part of the green solution for Alberta’s business sector. We will continue to strive for excellence and improvement in our practices, and to provide actionable solutions for decarbonization for our diverse clientele.

SPG's 10 Year Anniversary! - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 09:00:04 GMT

We are proud to announce that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Sustainable Projects Group (SPG)! Over the past decade, we have grown from a small team of passionate professionals to a trusted partner for hundreds of clients in various sectors, from commercial and industrial to municipal, Indigenous, and institutional. We have expanded our services to encompass the full cycle of change management and decarbonization support, helping organizations achieve their goals and stay ahead in an ever changing world.

As we celebrate this milestone, we would like to take you on a journey through some of the highlights of our history, our vision, and our impact.

Beginnings

Tayber Yastremski, President and Founder of Sustainable Projects Group (SPG), has always been actively involved with sustainability initiatives. At the age of 16, he was on the social responsibility Board for School District 67 in his home province of BC and was co-presenting on environmental topics with the former mayor of Vancouver. This passion was carried through in his studies, receiving a Bachelors in Geography and Earth and Ocean Sciences and a Masters in Clean Energy Engineering, and through his work in Policy, Education, and Sustainability Consulting.

Through this experience, Tayber realized that generating impact at scale would require a market driven approach, and that by aligning strategies with the right data, we could support industry achieve real progress towards hitting sustainability goals and making the world a better place.

Thus, SPG was established, with the goal of promoting decarbonization in the built environment. Beginning with Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) software, energy audits, and construction & electrical installations, the firm has evolved over the past ten years to address the many challenges associated with sustainability, decarbonization, and risk management in buildings across the country with a multi-pronged approach that includes engineering consulting, construction, and software.

Our services have grown to include:

Energy Audits & Building Condition Assessments (BCAs): Our consulting team leverages industry best practices to assess building components, energy use, and identify efficiency opportunities within buildings, ensuring that retrofit recommendations align with building needs.

Energy Modeling: Our in-house experts utilize advanced energy modeling techniques to predict and optimize building performance, offering data-driven insights for sustainability strategies.

Sustainability Consulting: We combine our data-driven approach with expert insights to support clients develop actionable strategies for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions across their portfolio.

Installations: Our team of electrical installers can tackle projects large and small, including LED Lighting Upgrades and EV Charging Infrastructure.

Funding Support: We provide extensive support in identifying and applying for available funding and financing opportunities, ensuring clients can fully maximize capital investments.

Engineering Design: Our engineering professionals design efficient retrofit solutions, covering electrical and mechanical systems.

Construction Management: SPG’s construction team manages retrofit projects, including mechanical and electrical installations, envelope improvements, HVAC upgrades, LED lighting, EV charging, and solar PV installation, ensuring seamless execution.

Software Services (JOBI): Our proprietary software, JOBI, offers dynamic energy modeling, strategy optimization, project management, reporting, and measurement & verification, supporting actionable decarbonization planning across portfolios.

We have worked with clients of all types and sizes, from municipalities to governments, Indigenous communities, industrial facilities, and commercial office, retail, and residential facilities. We specialize in portfolio-wide planning and strategy alignment, addressing hot button items such as building valuation, rent lift, and risk abatement, all while hitting emissions targets and ensuring building owners can stay ahead. We are also proud to support a number Indigenous communities manage and upgrade their community facilities, leveraging over $30 M in funding to support capacity building, employment, health, and sustainability for communities across Canada.

"In celebrating this momentous occasion, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all that we have accomplished together. From the bottom of my heart, I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you who has played a part in SPG's journey. Together, we have defied expectations, shattered barriers, and paved the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. Looking ahead, our vision for SPG is brighter than ever. With new partnerships on the horizon and groundbreaking initiatives like JOBI fundamentally changing the game, the possibilities are endless. As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, I invite you to join us in shaping a world where sustainability isn't just a goal—it's a way of life."

Tayber Yastremski, President

Impact

As we look forward to expanding our outreach, we are proud of our current and upcoming initiatives that are making a big impact:

JOBI (Joint Operational and Building Intelligence) Software

JOBI is our answer to the challenges of actionable, scalable progress in building decarbonization. Leveraging a dynamic modeling framework that moves away from current static protocols, JOBI provides building owners with the tools required to take action on their buildings and remain competitive in a constantly changing landscape. Working with industry and government partners, we are on our way to achieving our goal of 100,000 buildings in the system.

Deep Energy Retrofit Implementation Projects

In the last few years, we have seen an exponential increase in interest from groups looking to carry out deep energy retrofit projects. SPG has been a leader in this initiative, using our design-build approach to execute on some of the largest retrofit projects in Canada.

SPG and Four Winds Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative

SPG has partnered with Four Winds & Associates to develop a program that will see wide-spread energy auditing and capacity building for deep energy retrofits for Indigenous communities across Alberta. Stayed tuned for more information as we launch this first of its kind program in summer 2024.

Government & Industry Partnerships

To scale our current proven method for deep energy retrofits, we have solidified partnerships with government and investors that allow us to not only deliver projects but support on policy development, close training and capacity gaps in the market, and carry out ongoing R&D and delivery of impactful projects through our JOBI energy conservation measure platform, which partners with Canadian clean tech and professionals to export Canadian expertise to international markets.

SPG started with the goal to make a difference in the world – now, over a decade later, we have a talented team of professionals empowering building owners with the tools and data required to take action on the big challenges. With a mission to identify and eliminate carbon emissions from the built environment, SPG leverages innovative, comprehensive, and actionable solutions to decarbonize buildings in Canada and beyond.

Thank you for being a part of the journey – here’s to another decade of sustainability in action.

Through The Years: SPG Journey

News Release: Kapawe’no First Nation Energy Retrofits - Sustainable Projects Group

Sustainable Projects Group — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:00:52 GMT

Federal Government invests in upgraded, energy efficient buildings to support Kapawe’no First Nation

Grouard, Alberta, March 25, 2024 — The Band Office and Daycare facilities in Kapawe’no First Nation are receiving energy and facility upgrades after an investment of more than $1.5 million from the federal government.

This was announced today by Minister Sean Fraser and Chief Sydney Halcrow.

To reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, the two buildings will receive upgrades to the lighting, HVAC, and water systems. These renovations, in addition to the installation of solar panels, will create sustainable spaces that will continue to serve the community for years to come. Further upgrades will also be done to the Band Office to expand the Community Hall and add a Wellness Centre.

Everything from early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to the Indigenous Skills, Employment and Training program, child welfare, education, health, mental health, housing, and youth services, as well as economic and social development programs are provided in these buildings. With these upgrades, the Kapawe’no First Nation will be able to reinvest the expected cost savings into valuable programs that support the members of their community from all generations.

“The energy and building upgrades to these essential facilities through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program will support the Kapawe’no First Nation for years to come. Community members will be able to learn, gather together, and access the essential services provided in these spaces, all while helping the environment. The Band Office, Community Hall, Daycare and Head Start facilities not only bring people together, but also support the future success of the entire community by fostering essential life skills, strengthening culture, and community wellbeing.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“With this new funding for our Nation Office and Daycare, we’re making big strides in energy efficiency and community services. It’s a step forward in taking care of our environment and ensuring our community thrives for generations. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

Chief Sydney Halcrow, Kapawe’no First Nation