In an era where the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident, the Deveraux Group of Companies is taking bold steps towards a sustainable future.
Committed to supporting global targets of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, we believe addressing the climate crisis is essential for the long-term well-being of both our people and our planet. Through innovative design, advanced technologies and continuous improvement, we are striving to make our developments eco-friendly and reduce our ecological footprint.
Energy Efficiency Beyond Standards
One of the cornerstones of our commitment to sustainability is designing our apartment communities to have significantly higher energy efficiency than the standard, in accordance with the National Energy Code for Canada. Our buildings sometimes exceed energy efficiency requirements by more than 25%. We understand that energy efficiency is critical to reducing carbon emissions and are proud to incorporate the latest technologies to achieve this.
To ensure our developments align with our sustainability goals, we employ a variety of cutting-edge technologies and practices, including:
- Solar Panels and Solar-Ready Buildings: Harnessing the power of the sun to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
- High-Efficiency Condensing Boilers: Maximizing the efficiency of heating systems to minimize energy consumption.
- High-Efficiency Mechanical Equipment: Utilizing advanced machinery to optimize energy use.
- High-Efficiency Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) in Suites: Enhancing indoor air quality while recovering and reusing energy.
- Air Source Heat Pumps: Providing efficient heating and cooling solutions by extracting and reusing hot and cold air from the outside into the suites.
- High-Efficiency Appliances: Reducing energy consumption in everyday living.
- Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures: Minimizing water wastage.
- LED Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting to reduce electricity consumption.
- Electric Vehicle Charging: Supporting the shift to sustainable transportation.
- Proximity Sensors for Lighting: Reducing energy wastage by ensuring lights are only on when needed.
Minimizing Waste
We understand the importance of minimizing waste in construction. We continuously review and design with the intent to reduce waste in various areas, including windows, siding, lumber, drywall, doors, cabinets and millwork. This not only conserves resources but also helps lower our ecological footprint.
Environmental Sustainability Beyond New Developments
Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends to our existing properties under the Deveraux portfolio. We see environmental sustainability not as a buzzword but as a critical factor driving our decisions regarding reinvestment and asset management. Our current efforts for existing properties include:
- Upgrading Fixtures: Installation and upgrades to low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
- Lighting: Replacing halogen and fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures.
- Efficiency Sensors: Installing timers and motion sensors on fixtures to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
- Energy Audits: Conducting regular energy audits to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
- Appliance Upgrades: Replacing energy-intensive appliances with energy-efficient models.
- Insulation: Sealing and improving insulation on building envelopes for enhanced energy efficiency.
Future Initiatives
In our continuous quest to make a positive impact on the planet, we are exploring and evaluating several future initiatives:
- HVAC Upgrades: Investment in HVAC upgrades such as cold climate air heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers for older properties.
- Utility Usage Tracking: Investment in sensors to monitor utility usage data in real-time, identifying energy inefficiencies.
- Building Management Systems: Implementation of building management systems that utilize thermal mass to minimize energy usage during peak times within buildings.
- Education and Awareness: Developing education programs and awareness training for Facilities Management, Technicians, and residents to identify energy conservation opportunities.
The Deveraux Group of Companies is not only committed to building remarkable apartment communities but also to leaving a lasting positive impact on the planet. Our focus on eco-friendly development encompasses energy-efficient designs, waste reduction and continuous improvement in existing properties. As we move forward, we remain focused on adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices to create a better, more sustainable future for our communities and the planet.