When it comes to reducing energy use in commercial buildings, retrofits often take centre stage. But Ottawa building owners are discovering that one of the most cost-effective strategies isn’t new at all. It’s recommissioning.
Through the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, Hydro Ottawa is preparing to launch funding for both recommissioning and retro-commissioning. This will help businesses access assessments, functional testing, and adjustments, along with tailored recommendations for low-cost, high-impact improvements, with the program covering up to 75 per cent of project funding up to $50,000 and 90 per cent for affordable housing.
Think of recommissioning as a tune-up for existing systems. Specialists run performance tests, uncover inefficiencies, and make targeted adjustments to bring equipment back in sync. The payoff: lower operating costs, improved comfort, and longer equipment life without the expense of a major retrofit.
“Every building has hidden performance potential,” says Trevor Freeman, manager, commercial accounts and program delivery at Hydro Ottawa. “Recommissioning and retro-commissioning are about tuning up your building so it runs as efficiently as possible, unlocking that potential and getting more performance and durability out of what you already own.”
Turning inefficiencies into savings
Inefficiencies in commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential buildings often go unnoticed: temporary overrides in place for years, fans that never cycle off, equipment running long after hours, or controls left uncalibrated. Recommissioning identifies and corrects these issues, with savings that typically appear right away on utility bills.
A practical step for Ottawa businesses
Recommissioning isn’t flashy, but offers a rapid return on investment and future readiness. As energy costs rise and policies evolve, more Ottawa building owners are turning to it as a practical first step.
“These projects prove that better building performance is already within reach,” Freeman adds.
The ORA program also offers a range of no-cost expert support services from Hydro Ottawa to help local business and institutions navigate their recommissioning and retro-commissioning journeys, including:
- Exploring potential actions, challenges, and support options
- Benchmarking your building’s emissions and energy data to establish a baseline
- Establishing concrete goals by using your building’s data to drive the business case
- Implementation help through connections to potential partners and tools
- Documenting impact, pursuing certifications, and accessing long-term support
Hydro Ottawa will soon provide recommissioning and retro-commissioning funding for buildings and building owners looking to tune up their existing equipment to improve energy usage and optimize costs.
Funding can go toward systems assessments, functional performance testing, or equipment and system recommissioning, including support to reduce energy waste and extend the life of your equipment.
Get started
The Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator program offers funding, training and free expert advice to help businesses and organizations take the next step toward efficiency. Support runs through March 2027. Learn more and see if your building qualifies at hydroottawa.com/ora.
