Value impacts of energy efficiency retrofits on commercial office buildings in Toronto, Canada

Abstract

This study strengthens the business case for building energy efficiency retrofits in Canada by studying the relationship between building energy efficiency and value. This is accomplished through a detailed examination of four large Toronto commercial office building retrofit case studies using pre- and post-retrofit energy and financial data. To assess the change in asset value with retrofit improvements, the income capitalization approach to building appraisal is adopted. This model for provides a link between energy efficiency and value through net operating income. Due to the challenges of obtaining energy-use and financial data, the sample size is small. However, even though the data is limited, the analysis reveals that energy retrofitting buildings can decrease operating costs, increase occupancy rates, and increase effective rent (rental revenue), thereby increasing net operating income. Although these benefits may not necessarily be achieved in every retrofit, where these benefits are realized, positive effects on value result.