New GREEN UP Program Helps Buildings to Save Money While Reducing Emissions
By: Meirav Even-Har, Toronto
Regular readers of this blog may have noticed I cover the subject of buildings quite often. Responsible for as much as 40% of global GHGs, buildings remain, for the most part, under the public awareness radar. However, for the companies that own and manage commercial, institutional and residential buildings, the story is a little different. Progress has been made. There are greater numbers of new and existing green buildings. Many Canadian property managers have engaged in a variety of energy, water and waste reduction campaigns. Less energy and water used means a lower carbon footprint.
To continue driving further reduction in energy and water use in existing buildings, the Canada Green Buildings Council (CaGBC) has launched a new program called GREEN UP®. The program includes "a national database and information system designed to improve the energy and environmental performance of buildings in Canada." 
How does GREEN UP work?
The following is a brief overview using the steps outlined on the GREEN UP program website:
Step 1: Measure real estate portfolio's energy and water use.
First, GREEN UP users provide program staff with available energy billing data for each registered building. Once inputted, participants are able to track monthly energy use and associated carbon footprint. The program offers access to performance data in office, multi-family, long-term healthcare, hotel, retail, K-12 school, and government buildings.
Step 2: Compare buildings to those of peers and within portfolio.
Building performance can be measured for both individual buildings, as well as portfolios. It can then be compared building to building, or as a group (portfolio) against industry best practices. The peer comparison numbers are based on ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ENERGY STAR) metrics, for energy [thermal (heating/cooling and electricity), and water use.
Step 3: Set building performance targets and implement projects.
Measuring and tracking performance is important. However, it's what you do with the information that really counts. Setting building performance targets is a component of the GREEN UP program that caught my attention, because it includes tools to help owners and managers develop actionable plans to drive improvements. For example, the Investment Decision Guide Dashboard helps "identify where to target funds for certification, operational and renewal projects."  It also enables users to conduct "what-if" scenario analysis, by shifting investment criteria, as well as buildings, regions or types.
While GREEN UP is not a certification program, it is a tool that can be beneficial for those working on certification projects such as: LEED® Canada EB: O&M (LEED for existing buildings).
Step 4: Track savings from retrofit, operational, and occupant improvement
Connecting to the business case, this final step allows participants to link dollars to realised and/or potential energy savings for an entire portfolio, as well as individual buildings.
In a press release for the program's launch, CaGBC President and CEO Thomas Mueller remarks, "By giving those involved in managing buildings this comprehensive and accessible tool we are helping them identify where they can improve building performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."  Understanding the big picture while helping integrate sustainability into operations is key to move the industry forward.
To learn more about GREEN UP click HERE
 CaGBC: GREEN UP program webpage http://www.cagbc.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Programs/GREENUP/default.htm
 CaGBC: GREEN UP Information Sheet http://www.cagbc.org/AM/PDF/greenup/CaGBC_GU-06-2012-En.pdf
 CaGBC: Press release June 2012, Canada Green Building Council launches GREEN UP Building Performance Program
Image: GREEN UP Logo courtesy of Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC)