Deep energy retrofits improve building efficiency and cut gas use by up to 65 per cent in B.C. apartment buildings

FortisBC pilot shows how whole-building upgrades can help lower gas use, emissions and energy costs

SURREY, BC, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- The results from FortisBC's Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot demonstrate an effective pathway to improving existing, occupied buildings by significantly lowering gas use, associated emissions and gas utility costs in buildings while remaining connected to the gas system. FortisBC has completed the evaluation phase of its multi-year pilot and is sharing the results from the four participating buildings. Together, the completed upgrades across the four multi-unit residential buildings reduced gas use by approximately 50 to 65 per cent,¹ lowered associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 50 to 60 per cent² and delivered gas cost savings across the sites ranging from $8,000 to $27,000 over a one-year evaluation period.³ 

"The results from our Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot are incredibly encouraging because they show how existing buildings can be modernized to better serve the people who live in them," said Doug Slater, vice president, Indigenous relations and regulatory affairs, FortisBC. "By taking a whole-building approach, these projects significantly lowered gas use, associated emissions and operating costs while helping residents enjoy more comfortable homes and improve building performance. Energy efficiency remains one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to help customers lower their energy use and support provincial climate action goals."

The results highlight a significant opportunity to take steps to help lower emissions in existing occupied buildings, and provide practical, real-world insights for communities, policymakers and building owners looking to reduce energy costs, improve resident comfort and lower associated emissions in support of provincial climate goals. FortisBC is now evaluating the performance data and insights from project participants and residents to determine how the results may inform a future deep energy retrofit program.

With many of today's buildings expected to remain in use by 2050, deep energy retrofits improve energy efficiency, provide greater comfort for building occupants and reduce energy costs so that they can continue to be used in the years to come. In 2019, FortisBC began piloting deep energy retrofits to determine if it was possible to reduce gas use and associated emissions by 50 per cent or more in existing occupied multi-unit residential buildings that remained connected to the gas system. The results show the value that retrofits can provide to help building owners make effective use of existing infrastructure and provide them with flexible energy options.

The four projects at The Pendrellis, Manor House, Forte and Viscount Villa took a whole-building approach with each building receiving a different combination of upgrades including building envelope improvements and high-efficiency gas and electricity mechanical systems to improve energy efficiency while tenants continued to live in their suites. The pilot was a collaborative effort across different organizations that advanced whole-building design, engineering and construction upgrades to significantly improve each building's energy performance.

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	^1Based on results from FortisBC's Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot.
	^2 Based on results from FortisBC's Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot.
	^3 Based on results from FortisBC's Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot

The benefits extended beyond energy and cost savings. For example, following the retrofit at Manor House, residents reported fresher air in their suites,⁴ more consistent indoor temperatures and no recurrence of condensation issues previously experienced with the building's windows. The findings indicate that deep energy retrofits can also improve comfort, moisture control and resilience during outdoor air-quality events.⁵

By testing these solutions in real-world settings and occupied buildings, the pilot highlights the significant opportunity to take steps to help lower emissions in existing buildings and provides practical, actionable insights. The pilot also shows how both the gas and electricity systems can work together to help support a lower carbon energy future.

To learn more about FortisBC's Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot, visit fortisbc.com/retrofit.

Link to photos of the four projects: FortisBC Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot 

Quotes

"Working together with FortisBC and other partners on projects like The Pendrellis retrofit provides valuable practical experience in improving existing buildings. The City of Vancouver appreciates the opportunity to support this project and contribute to the work of upgrading existing housing while it remains occupied. At a time when affordability remains a top concern for Vancouver residents, finding practical ways to reduce energy costs and extend the life of existing affordable housing is more important than ever."
        -    Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver

"Non-profit housing providers need practical pathways to upgrade existing buildings while balancing affordability, sustainability and resident well-being. Working together on The Pendrellis project shows how deep energy retrofits can help non-profit societies stretch limited resources further, create more comfortable homes and significantly reduce gas use while remaining connected to the gas system."
       -    Brian Jung, director of building asset and energy management at BC Non-Profit Housing Association

"Metro Vancouver Housing's work with FortisBC on the Manor House project tested innovative approaches to reducing emissions and delivered real results. Modernizing our existing buildings allows us to reduce energy use, improve climate resilience, and most importantly, provide even higher quality housing for our tenants."
       -    Mike Hurley, board chair of Metro Vancouver

"Our priority is providing safe, comfortable and affordable homes for seniors. The Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot really shows how these building improvements can enhance the day-to-day living experience for our residents, who didn't have to move during the process, which was important. We've lowered gas use and operational costs, helping provide more support to our residents."
      -    TJ Roberts, executive director, Pendrellis Housing Society

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	^5Based on results from FortisBC's Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot.
	^6Based on results from FortisBC's Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot

Key facts

• Four multi-unit residential buildings underwent a deep energy retrofit as part of FortisBC's pilot. The retrofits combined building envelope improvements, including insulation, air sealing, windows, roofing and cladding upgrades, with high-efficiency heating, ventilation and control systems.
• The Pendrellis: a 13-storey concrete high-rise providing low-cost housing for seniors in Vancouver, reduced gas use by 64 per cent and associated GHG emissions by 62 per cent. Its annual gas utility costs decreased by nearly $21,500.
• Forte: a 13-storey rental building in Vancouver, reduced gas use by 55 per cent and associated GHG emissions by almost 53 per cent, while lowering annual gas utility costs by approximately $27,500.
• Manor House: a three-storey non-market rental building owned by Metro Vancouver Housing in North Vancouver, reduced gas use by almost 65 per cent and associated GHG emissions by close to 59 per cent. Annual gas utility costs decreased by approximately $13,000.
• Viscount Villa: a three-storey rental apartment building in Kamloops, reduced gas use by 51 per cent and associated GHG emissions by 49 per cent, while saving more than $8,000 annually on gas utility costs.

FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, including natural gas and propane and continuing to acquire lower carbon energy, such as natural gas designated as Renewable Natural Gas. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs around 2,238 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,104,500 customers across British Columbia. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates two liquefied natural gas storage facilities and approximately 51,870 kilometres of gas transmission and distribution lines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electricity and gas utility industry. FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. For further information on FortisBC Energy Inc., visit fortisbc.com. For further information on Fortis Inc., visit fortisinc.com.

SOURCE FortisBC Energy Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Beckett, Corporate communications advisor, FortisBC, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected], fortisbc.com, @fortisbc, 24-hour media line: 1-855-FBC-NEWS or 1-855-322-6397