26%
18%
ONTARIO 558 OF 2,867
ALBERTA 5,475 OF 20,845
TOTAL 6,033 OF 33,369
Natural gas consumption is typically related to space heating, domestic hot water and other operational processes, and unlike electricity, its consumption is more correlated with weather patterns. As a result, our energy efficient measures focus around the equipment related to space heating such as furnaces, boilers, rooftop units and make-up air units focusing on regular tune-ups, installing smart thermostats, and upgrading to more efficient models at time of replacement. In addition, the Trust also considers weather stripping and window sealing, along with full window replacements, to reduce drafts and air leakage. TOTAL NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION (GJ) 2020
2,567,913
2,587,802
2019
PORTFOLIO
As a provider of multi-family homes, our properties use in excess 3.5 million cubic meters of water per year. As the majority of the water is used in-suite by our Resident Members, with replacement, renovation or development, the Trust aims to install low flow faucets, showerheads and toilets. As it relates to common area water consumption, Boardwalk focuses on utilizing water efficient irrigation systems and rain-water recycling programs, where possible, to meet landscaping needs. In addition, the Trust is evaluating the use of natural green spaces rather than grass lawns in order to decrease on the maintenance costs and water usage associated with landscaping. From 2019 to 2020,
12 BOARDWALK REIT 2020 ESG REPORT
TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION (M3) 2019
2020
4,128,330
19%
we experienced a 12.5% increase in water consumption. The Trust attributes the majority of this increase to the COVID-19 pandemic as the majority of its Resident Members were at home for considerably more time than in the prior year. As a result of this considerable increase, moving into 2021, the Trust’s focus will be on Resident Member education as it relates specifically to water consumption.
3,668,326
SUB-METERED SUITES
PORTFOLIO
Working with its Resident Members and Associates, the Trust tries to minimize the amount of waste it sends to local landfills. Boardwalk partners with Diabetes Canada, whereby in 2020, Boardwalk diverted 215,993 pounds of clothing from Canadian landfills and helped to convert those donations into charitable funds for Diabetes Canada. 215,993 pounds of donated clothing is equivalent to approximately 4,020,541 kg of carbon saved. Since partnering with Diabetes Canada, Boardwalk has become one of Canada’s top diversion partner under its Declutter program (https://declutter.diabetes.ca). In 2021, Boardwalk will continue to focus on measures to decrease waste, including expanding compost recycling, making mixed recycling easier and more accessible, and developing other partnerships such as the one with Diabetes Canada to determine if other products can be donated to charities.
