Regional Group is not just talking about sustainability—it’s showing what’s possible. As the first real estate company to join the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, delivered by Hydro Ottawa, Regional Group is proving that intentional action can lead to significant change. In just one year, four of its buildings will achieve net-zero certification, marking a major milestone in the company’s journey to turn sustainability goals into measurable impact.
This success underscores Regional Group’s early commitment to sustainability. While the company had already prioritized energy efficiency, the ORA program’s carbon pathway study provided a strategic roadmap that reaffirmed its efforts and unlocked long-term opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible without a dedicated sustainability team.
The goal of the ORA program is to provide an ecosystem of support services to help property owners and managers implement deep energy retrofits, improve efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A smart approach to carbon reduction
Participating in the ORA program was a natural extension of the company’s environmental and financial strategy.
With financial backing covering up to 75 per cent of the cost for carbon pathway studies, the program makes it easier for property owners to take meaningful steps toward sustainability. “It’s such a nominal cost to make you a smarter real estate operator and allow you to make more conscious, sophisticated, and rationalized decisions when investing in your assets,” says Tal Scher, Regional Group’s vice president of asset management and government relations.
The program connects companies with expert energy consultants who analyze buildings and develop customized strategies for achieving net-zero status. While participants can decide when and how to implement upgrades, Regional Group has fully committed to the process.
“We’ve felt very supported throughout the application process, the analysis stage, and right through to the final deliverables,” says Scher. This level of engagement has positioned the company ahead of schedule in its carbon reduction journey.
Balancing sustainability with smart investment
For Regional Group, achieving net zero is about more than reducing emissions — it’s also about delivering long-term value to investors and communities. “Our focus has always been on balancing our fiduciary responsibilities with our role as stewards for the communities we serve,” Scher explains.
Investor interest in energy-efficient buildings is growing, and tenants are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. By exploring deep retrofits, Regional Group is taking its sustainability efforts a level above standard practices, positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader that aligns with the market’s growing demand for greener, more efficient spaces.
Building a culture of lasting value
Beyond financial and environmental benefits, Regional Group’s net-zero journey has sparked enthusiasm across its team. “I’ve never seen my team so engaged about an idea,” says Scher. “They feel like they’re making a real difference, and that enthusiasm is what’s driving us forward.”
Viewing each building as a small community, the company’s sustainability efforts extend beyond energy efficiency to creating healthier, more resilient spaces for tenants, employees, and the broader community.
Expanding the vision
With approximately 40 buildings and three million square feet of commercial space—along with 2,000 residential units—Regional Group has ambitious plans to scale its net-zero efforts across its portfolio.
Several larger office buildings and retail spaces, including Hazeldean Mall, are already participating, and the company is now looking to expand its efforts to smaller retail plazas.
By focusing first on large office buildings with a significant impact, the company is laying a foundation for a broader portfolio-wide shift. The success of its initial net-zero certifications is proof that the strategy is not only achievable but scalable.
A call to action for Ottawa’s real estate community
Regional Group’s experience with the ORA program shows that net zero is not just an aspirational goal—it’s an attainable one. Scher encourages other property owners to take advantage of the financial and technical support available through the program.
“This is the kind of program that doesn’t come around often, and I urge all local property owners to get involved. Together, we can make Ottawa a leader in sustainability.”
With Hydro Ottawa’s ORA program providing the resources needed to accelerate net-zero efforts, the path forward is clearer than ever. Scher emphasizes that widespread participation is key to Ottawa’s success:
“The only way this city is going to achieve its ultimate net-zero goals, as set by the federal government, is for everyone to consciously make an effort to reduce their carbon footprint,” Scher stresses.
Now is the time for Ottawa businesses to take the next step. Join the movement that’s reshaping the city’s future. Apply for the ORA program at hydroottawa.com/ora.
