Technology helps social housing provider save money and be "green"

From the start, Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace has made its choices with an eye to being "green". Now those decisions are paying off.

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace, a non-profit housing provider in North York, was recognized for its pursuit of environmental excellence by the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) this past weekend.

The ONPHA Going Green Award, one of ONPHA's annual awards, recognizes a non-profit housing provider that is taking innovative steps to reduce its environmental impact.

"Investments in green technology not only better our environment," says Sharad Kerur, ONPHA's Executive Director. "They also help organizations to lower their operating costs - it's a win-win for all of us."

Inspired by the work of others, namely Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada, the corporation has maintained a commitment to environmental excellence since the non-profit housing project was conceived in the early 1990's. From simple design decisions, like ample daylight in apartments and common areas, to the latest technologies, the staff and board of Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace have systematically pursued opportunities to best current environmental standards.

The organization has also made it easy for residents to "go green". Screens in the lobby show the difference that conservation measures are having on the amount of energy being produced by solar PV and saved through solar air heating and water heating, and a special arrangement with Rogers Cable Television brings that information into residents' homes. "Involving our residents helps us to fulfill our commitment to environmental sustainability and gives us the opportunity to educate the community and raise awareness," says Karim Ahmad Tahir, Property Manager at Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace, "It's an important part of our success.

"This is our 20^th anniversary and we're thrilled to be recognized with this award," says Tahir. "Environmental sustainability has been an important part of our organization from the beginning and it's a tradition of which we're extremely proud."

About ONPHA:

For 25 years, the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) has been the voice of non-profit housing in Ontario.  Our 770 member organizations operate more than 163,000 non‐profit housing units in over 220 communities in Ontario. They provide affordable homes to a diverse range of tenants, including: seniors; low‐income families with children; Aboriginal people; the working poor; victims of violence and abuse; people living with developmental disabilities, mental illness, addictions and HIV/AIDS; and the formerly homeless/hard‐to‐house.

About the ONPHA Awards:

The award winners were announced during ONPHA's 2013 conference and trade show from October 18-20.  Over 1,100 representatives from Ontario's affordable housing sector gathered together for this three-day event, featuring 83 workshop events and a trade show with 81 exhibitors.

Since 1997, many individuals and non-profits have been recognized for their contributions to the sector.  There are many more that deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their dedication to, and support of, non-profit housing. Videos of each award recipient are available at www.onpha.on.ca/awards.

Find ONPHA online:

www.onpha.on.ca
www.facebook.com/ONPHA
www.twitter.com/ONPHA
www.youtube.com/ONPHAjm
www.housingopensdoors.ca

SOURCE: Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA)

Media contacts:
Sharad Kerur
Executive Director, ONPHA
416-723-2835
[email protected]

Karim Tahir
Property Manager, Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace
416-748-5454
[email protected]