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Environmental
Environmental
Sustainability Policy
Killam is a leader(1) in ESG practices within the Canadian multi-residential real estate sector, and our sustainability policy formalizes our commitment and is included in the Killam employee handbook. It is approved by the Board of Trustees and monitored by the Governance and ESG Committee. The following outlines Killam’s commitment to ESG:
- Invest in technology and new initiatives to increase sustainability and lower our carbon footprint across the portfolio with a focus on waste management as well as energy and water consumption.
- Support and invest in our employees through training and development.
- Enhance diversity and inclusion policies and practices to continue to foster a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
- Provide outstanding customer service and build an inclusive community at our properties.
- Support initiatives in the communities in which we operate, with an emphasis on affordable housing through community partnerships, subsidized rents and discounts.
- Establish and implement measurable governance policies and practices.
- Report annually on our ESG programs, highlighting new initiatives, and Killam’s performance against targets.
- Review our annual ESG benchmark ratings(2) and target areas for improvement each year.
(1) Defined by first publicly traded Canadian multi-family REIT to submit to GRESB as well as the first to issue a stand alone ESG report in accordance with ESG reporting standards.
(2) Currently the benchmark rating focus is GRESB.
Environmental
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Killam has had an independent verification review of its 2020 GHG Inventory, in accordance with ISO 14064 – Part 3, for its greenhouse gas data.
Alignment with SDB#12
– Responsible Consumption and Production
Killam’s Path to Decarbonization
- Define CO2 footprint
- Increase efficiency of buildings
- Increase clean energy supply
- Invest in on-site energy generation
- Consider off-site energy generation
- Review CO2 offset programs
Alignment with SDB#7
– Affordable and Clean Energy
Environmental
Climate Change
With a portfolio that expands across Canada, Killam recognizes it faces a variety of different operational risks, including physical climate change. Killam continues to improve the resiliency of its portfolio by updating and implementing sustainable policies, investing in technology, and switching to greener forms of energy.
In the long-term, Killam plans to work towards operating its portfolio with net-zero carbon emissions to combat its impact on climate change.
Environmental
Energy-Efficiencies
A minimum of $5 million invested annually to energy efficiency projects.
700M liters of water saved through the installation of low flow water fixtures throughout the portfolio.
Killam installed solar photovoltaic panels at 11 properties in 2020, generating 880 MWh of renewable energy annually.
Implemented a green cleaning policy for procurement and use throughout its properties.
Completed an independent review of its 2020 greenhouse gas inventory.
Environmental
Acquisitions and Renovations
Killam aims to acquire newer, more energy-efficient buildings wherever possible. We analyze and consider assets’ features and ability to be sustainable and the long-term value of our unitholders.
Killam’s extensive suite renovation program allows it to improve energy efficiency and sustainability throughout the apartment portfolio, while delivering upgraded amenities to its residents.
Apartment renovations and upgrades improve unit performance and comfort by installing the following:
Killam has 14 properties located in Ontario that have certified energy ratings under the Ontario Energy Water Reporting and Benchmark (EWRB) initiative.
Environmental
Developments
More than $300 million in new developments designed and built using strategies aimed at improving energy savings, water efficiency, the stewardship of resources and a sensitivity to their environmental impact.
Current developments include either geothermal heating and cooling systems or solar photo-voltaic panels and submetered water.
10 properties with on-site electrical car charging stations.
Environmental
Featured Properties
Frontier
- First of a four-phase, 840-unit development in Ottawa, ON
- Geothermal heating and cooling
- Optimal window glazing and insulation saving energy consumption
- Water and hydro are separately metered to each unit, typically resulting in a reduction of water consumption by 25%
- Expectation to save over 100 tons of carbon emissions annually
Shorefront
- 78-unit development completed in Q4-2020 in Charlottetown, PE
- Solar photovoltaic power is expected to cover 30% of Killam’s energy operating costs
- Energy efficient appliances and EV charging stations
- Water and hydro are separately metered to each unit, typically resulting in a reduction of water consumption by 25%
Creative Green Solutions
Several properties are being over-seeded with white clover, an alternative to traditional grass with many aesthetically and environmental benefits including less frequent mowing, less maintenance and provide pollen for beneficial insects.