Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD), in collaboration with the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria, is launching the regional CRD Building Benchmarking Program to help building owners of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings measure and reduce energy use, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and cut energy costs.
Building benchmarking allows owners to track their building’s energy performance, compare it with similar properties, and identify opportunities to save. Supported by OPEN Technologies’ GRID platform, the CRD Building Benchmarking Program will provide an online portal through which building owners can upload their energy data, access support, and receive a scorecard that can help identify opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.
“Improving energy efficiency in buildings is one of the most practical and impactful ways our region can cut emissions and reduce costs,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil‑Smith. “By launching a regional benchmarking program, we are giving building owners and managers the tools they need to make informed energy management decisions.”
In 2024, buildings in the Capital Region consumed over $500 million in energy and emitted more than 466,000 tonnes of GHG emissions, making them the second-largest source of emissions in the region after transportation. Research shows that benchmarking can help buildings achieve an average of 9% energy savings in just three years, lowering operating costs, and contributing to both affordability and emissions reductions.
The District of Saanich and City of Victoria have created bylaws that require owners of buildings larger than 30,000 square feet to report their 2025 energy-use data by June 1, 2026, through the CRD Building Benchmarking Program. Letters will be mailed to building owners covered by these bylaws to share information about the program and how to participate. The program is also open to any owners in the CRD that have buildings above 10,000 square feet to voluntarily participate.
The CRD Building Benchmarking Program supports long-term regional climate commitments while helping owners identify cost-saving opportunities that strengthen the resilience and efficiency of local buildings.
More information, including a list of all buildings that can take part in the program and a link to the Building Owner Portal, can be found at www.crd.ca/benchmarking.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Monique Booth, Communication Services Manager
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.3165
Cell: 250.516.1703
