On August 12, 2024 the London Environmental Network (LEN) hosted its Unveiling the Retrofits Community Engagement Event at a Community Living London (CLL) multi-unit residential building (MURB).
Program Overview
CLL is a member of LEN’s Nonprofit Resiliency Project, which is partnering with eight low-income nonprofit organizations in London and Middlesex County to implement new and emerging sustainable retrofits across their MURBs. With these upgrades, these buildings - which house a disproportionate share of Ontario’s minority, low-income, and other vulnerable groups - can become more efficient, safer, comfortable, and resilient places.
From February - August of this year, LEN upgraded a CLL owned MURB bungalow which houses five individuals. To determine which projects would be most advantageous socially, economically, and environmentally to implement, the LEN team completed a building walkthrough and analyzed several years of utility data.
Retrofits Completed
- New Energy STAR windows
- Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) solar array
- Air sealing, weatherstripping & improved ventilation
- Increased interior insulation to R60
- Green infrastructure projects (fruit trees)
Event Highlights
- Engaged with more than 50 community members
- Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Commnunities and Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Member of Parliament for London West, Arielle Kayabaga both attended and spoke about how sustainable initiatives are worthwhile investments
- Completed an exterior tour of the retrofits, and attendees were able to ask contractors who worked directly on the project questions
- CTV News and Global News covered the event, with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announcing their support ($425,935) through an official news release
Recognitions & Thank Yous
This event would not have been possible without the support of CLL, particularly the staff and tenants who work and live at this location. LEN is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with CLL and look forward to working together in the future.
This program was fortunate to receive funding from NRCans Smart Renewables and Electrifications Pathways Program (SREPs), the London Community Foundation’s Community Vitality Grant Program, and the Peter Gilgan Foundation. The multi-year support from these funders has covered the costs of the retrofits implemented at this location and will support future retrofit projects with other program partners.
This program also received donations to LEN’s open year-round campaign Retrofits For All from Net Zero Insulation, s2e Technologies, London Hydro, Wild Birds Unlimited - Nature Shop, Hydra Dyne Tech, as well as many London residents. As a result of this generous support, the program was able to raise an additional $10,000!
Lastly, the success of this retrofit project was made possible by the contractors who worked directly on this project: Net Zero Insulation, German Solar Corporation, and Riverbend Windows & Doors. LEN is grateful for these partnerships and we are committed to strengthening our economy through local partnerships.
Special thanks to our event vendors: Identity Sound Entertainment, New Leaf Planet Based Food, AMOTION FILMS, Heeman’s, and Central Sanitation.
Reflecting & Looking Ahead
Through this program, LEN is ensuring that low-income nonprofit organizations are not left behind in the transition to an electrified economy and we are proud to offer a program that is equitable, just, and inclusive. We are excited about moving onto the next building to retrofit, with initial planning scheduled for this fall!
