The Committee believes that, with the implementation of the recommendations in this report, the energy efficiency of federal buildings will be greatly improved and energy costs will be significantly reduced. In addition, energy-efficient buildings will contribute to reduced environmental impacts, greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, as well as other improved outcomes for Canadians. Through such programs as the FBI and the establishment of an overarching framework with the FSDS, the federal government has enhanced the performance of its buildings. Moreover, the use of national building codes and the pursuit of various industry-recognized building certifications have improved the energy efficiency of federal buildings. While energy savings have been achieved through such programs, and some targets prescribed through the FSDS, based on testimony heard, the committee feels that there is potential for greater cost savings over the long term from more targeted measures in efficiencies, more strategic planning, and improved operation and management of existing building stock.

That said, the energy efficiency of federal buildings, whether owned or leased, could be enhanced further, and the Committee encourages the federal government to establish a strategic plan to manage the federal building portfolio from an energy-efficiency perspective, and to use cost-benefit analysis when identifying potential energy-efficiency measures to be implemented and when evaluating whether to construct a new building, retrofit an existing building or enter into a lease arrangement.

The Committee recognizes that there are several avenues for increasing the energy efficiency of federal buildings, and encourages the federal government to enhance its efforts in exploring energy-efficient building designs and codes, assessments and certifications, and green leases. The Committee also believes that financing measures are important and that the federal government should look into various opportunities to encourage and support energy-efficient buildings such as revolving funds, energy performance contracts, and tax and other federal supports for energy-efficient buildings that may also prove beneficial to help support greater efficiencies. Finally, in the Committee’s view, a federal focus on clear targets, policies and processes, a strategic planning approach, better coordination among departments, improved education and training, and ongoing monitoring of federal buildings are needed if federal goals in relation to energy-efficient buildings are to be realized. In short, a variety of avenues must be explored as decisions are made about “powering” federal buildings in order to ensure energy efficiency.