At London & Middlesex Community Housing, we’re dedicated to creating cleaner, safer, and more sustainable living environments for our tenants. We are taking significant steps toward reducing our environmental footprint.
Here’s a quick look at our green initiatives and their impact:
- Heat Pump Installation: This robust project enhances temperature control, lowers energy costs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Building Automation Systems (BAS) Pilot Project: Tested at our Commissioners location, this technology optimizes HVAC systems, ensuring consistent indoor comfort while minimizing energy waste.
- Window and Door Upgrades: Replacements across multiple sites improved insulation, reduced drafts, and enhanced heating and cooling efficiency.
- Exterior Door Replacements: New insulated doors at Dorchester and other locations help tenants experience fewer temperature fluctuations and lower utility bills.
- Hot Water Heat Exchanger Redundancy: Modernizing these systems ensures reliable hot water access while reducing energy consumption.
- Energy-Efficient Fridges and Furnaces: Installed at various sites to lower energy usage and support tenant cost savings.
- New Laundry Machines: Introduced energy-efficient appliances to provide tenants with sustainable and cost-effective laundry options.
These initiatives are just the beginning. As we continue to focus on our Climate Action Plan, we remain committed to meaningful investments in green solutions that benefit tenants and the environment.
Aligning with the City of London's Climate Emergency Action Plan
LMCH is prepared to support the City of London's Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP). We await official direction from the City's Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) following their review of a City staff report on January 14, 2025. A recommendation is expected for all Agencies, Boards, and Commissions (ABCs) to develop individual Climate Action Plans - a direction LMCH supports.
As a key City of London and Middlesex County agency, LMCH has actively engaged in sustainability efforts. Some of our recent and ongoing initiatives include:
- Solar Walls: These have been installed at multiple high-rise buildings since 2019. These dark metal panels pre-heat intake air, reducing energy costs by utilizing solar energy.
- Reimagine Southdale: Our six-storey, 53-unit housing project is built to exceed Ontario Building Code energy efficiency standards and is set for occupancy in mid-2025.
- Windows and Exterior Door Replacements: Ongoing upgrades across townhome sites in the City and County enhance insulation and reduce heating costs.
- CMHC Energy Efficiency Requirements:
- Energy Management System (Demtroys Thermostats): Installed at seven high-rise buildings, these thermostats provide insights into unit energy usage, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Furnace Replacement: 494 high-efficiency furnaces were replaced at 5 CMHC family sites, reducing energy consumption by 20% and lowering carbon emissions.
- Save on Energy Retrofit Program (IESO):
- 991 Energy Star fridges were replaced at no cost to LMCH, reducing energy consumption by 33% per unit.
- Replaced tenant-owned window air conditioners, freezers, and dehumidifiers.
- Provided tenants with drying racks, LED bulbs, and power bars.
- Ensured proper recycling of outdated refrigerant equipment.
- Sensor Light Switches: We installed these switches in maintenance rooms, washrooms, and lounges at high-rise buildings to reduce unnecessary energy use.
In partnership with the London Environmental Network (LEN), we continue to assess multiple high-rise buildings and townhome sites for additional energy efficiency upgrades. These projects, combined with our ongoing initiatives, position LMCH as a leader in sustainable housing.
Our Climate Action Plan is a continuous effort. Through Strategic investments, partnerships, and community collaboration, we are building a greener future - one home at a time.
Together, we're making sustainability a reality.
