CORPORATE INFORMATION breadcrumbs arrow right Conservation and Sustainability

Conservation and Sustainability at OCH

Reducing emissions, lowering costs, and building resilient communities across Ottawa

At Ottawa Community Housing, conservation and sustainability guide to how we build, maintain, and operate our housing portfolio.

Guided by our Eco2Plan, we are advancing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting long-term affordability – while aligning with the City of Ottawa Climate Change Master Plan.

At A Glance

$79.6M

Utility savings since 2011

96%

Emissions reduction target by 2040

$4.2M

Clean energy generated since 2011

50%

Energy reduction in new builds

30

Communities equipped with waste diversion infrastructure since 2016

Driving Impact Across Our Communities

Our approach
Delivering measurable results across our portfolio while supporting long-term sustainability:
- Lower operating costs through energy efficiency and clean energy generation
- Reduced environmental impact through lower emissions, energy, and water use
- Healthier communities through improved indoor environments
- Stronger asset performance through sustainable design and retrofits
Our goals
- Reduce OCH’s 27,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 96% by 2040
- Support tenants and communities in reducing their environmental footprint
- Contribute to city-wide climate and sustainability targets
How We Deliver Results
We integrate sustainability across all aspects of our work:
- Improving the energy efficiency of all buildings
- Using sustainable design methods for all new buildings and capital work
- Leading waste diversion and conservation programs by engaging tenants and staff.
Aligned with OCH Strategic Priorities
Conservation and sustainability support key organizational priorities through our Strategic Plan. Energy upgrades made possible through partnerships and innovation, improve tenant comfort and the client experience.

Powering Innovation Projects

Electric Vehicles and Car Share
We are expanding our electric vehicle fleet and adding chargers. In communities we are partnering to offer car-share programs – improving mobility and reducing emissions.
High-Performance New Builds
All new developments are designed to the passive house standard, reducing heating and cooling energy use by up to 90%.
Check out our under-construction projects to see what we are working on.
Evidence-Based Design
Our award-winning Total Cost of Building Ownership study demonstrates that a modest 3–5% increase in upfront costs can reduce energy use in new buildings by 50%.
PEER Presland Retrofit
Completed in 2021, this pilot retrofit uses prefabricated panels, upgraded windows and roofing, and a 34 kW solar system to significantly improve building performance. The project reduces heating energy use by 90% and generates more energy than the homes consume annually, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada.
Click here to read all about the PEER project.