HOW LIGHTING & INSULATION UPGRADES TRANSFORMED THEIR COWORKING SPACE
Our Business Lighting Program and Building Envelope Program provide rebates to building owners who complete energy-efficient lighting, window, door, and insulation upgrades. With our help, 204 Capital Inc. made energy efficiency upgrades to the offices, boardrooms, washrooms, and hallways at their coworking space property located at 65 Dewdney Avenue in Winnipeg’s South Point Douglas neighborhood. In doing so, they’ll drastically reduce their energy bills and their tenants will have a more comfortable experience using their space.
THE PROJECT
The 204 Capital Inc. team first learned about Efficiency Manitoba through our booth at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce event. They submitted their applications in January 2023. We provided approvals within a few weeks and they had the installation completed by April. A couple months later, they received their rebate cheques.
Richard McAlpine, local owner and operator of 204 Capital Inc. speaks fondly of Manitoba, calling it home despite growing up in British Columbia. “Nothing changes until we invest in the city,” he said. “The time to do our part is now, if not 25 years ago.” This passion was the catalyst for their energy efficiency upgrades.
LIGHTING
With help from their lighting contractor Robinson Supply, they installed 55 new LED fixtures throughout the offices and boardrooms, 30 occupancy sensors in offices, washrooms, and hallways, as well as 100 new LED fixtures in the hallways and common areas. These improvements have made the building’s 21 rentable office spaces and common areas far brighter and more comfortable.
“[Efficiency Manitoba was] super easy to deal with — quick responses and very helpful,” said Richard, expressing his excitement for the project outcomes.
INSULATION
After purchasing materials from Springhill Lumber, 204 Capital Inc. completed a full wall surface insulation upgrade totalling 8,000 square feet. Adding exterior insulation resulted in better temperature regulation and increased building durability.
“We’re happy with the reduced heating and cooling costs and improved thermal comfort.”
Richard McAlpine
Local Owner and Operator of 204 Capital Inc.
THE SAVINGS
The lighting and insulation upgrades should make a big difference in 65 Dewdney Avenue’s energy bills and consumption.
Because of their lighting upgrades, it’s estimated they’ll save over 41,000 kWh in electricity each year, which translates to over $2,000 in annual savings on their energy bills. Not only that, due to their insulation upgrades, they’ll save an additional 8,073 kWh in electricity annually, translating to around another $1,500 in energy bill savings.
We also provided 204 Capital Inc. with a $9,205 combined incentive for their upgrades, which includes the additional 25% customer bonus we offer on lighting projects completed before March 31, 2024.
“We would 100% use the program again and would recommend it to everybody,” said Richard.
THE PROCESS
We make upgrading your building easy and straightforward. Through our online application system, myEM, business owners can apply on their own, or their suppliers or contractors can apply on their behalf.
“The program was so easy to apply for,” said Richard. “We simply filled out a couple of forms and sent over the invoices and completion documents once done.”
If you’re wanting to complete energy efficiency upgrades but your project approval is dependent on the incentive from Efficiency Manitoba — don’t worry! Our team will clearly outline the estimated incentive for your proposed upgrades before you commit to the project, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead.
ARE YOU A BUILDING OWNER OR TENANT?
Building owners and tenants or their suppliers and contractors can apply for financial incentives through the Business Lighting Program and Building Envelope Program on our website. Check out our program guides to see our incentive rates and eligibility requirements.
ARE YOU A SUPPLIER OR CONTRACTOR?
We highly encourage you to join our supplier network. You’ll be listed on our website as a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier and can offer our programs to your customers. You’ll also have access to training opportunities and materials offered by our team of experts and can promote our energy efficiency programs in your advertising. The best part? It’s free to register and participate!