Net Zero Transitions
Brightside’s Net Zero Strategy and Retrofit Implementation
Affine’s net-zero strategy and retrofit leadership is helping Brightside to deliver climate-ready affordable housing that improves resilience, resident well-being, and long-term financial performance.
Project Background
Brightside Community Homes Foundation, located in Vancouver, BC, has 70+ years of experience in providing affordable housing for seniors, families, and people with disabilities.
In 2021, Brightside engaged Affine Climate Solutions to implement practical and impactful solutions for decarbonizing their housing portfolio. Affine helped Brightside to set ambitious targets, including developing a comprehensive Net Zero Strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.
A retrofit roadmap provided practical guidance for achieving the objectives set out in the Strategy, including testing the retrofit plan's proof of concept and business case through a net-zero and climate-resilient retrofit pilot.
Affine's Expertise
Affine provided strategic and technical guidance to help Brightside advance a clear, achievable path to net-zero emissions. Affine began by conducting an emissions baseline and creating several decarbonization pathways. Through close collaboration with Brightside’s leadership and staff, Affine supported the organization to adopt the most ambitious pathway and secure internal alignment.
To drive implementation, Affine developed a Climate-Aligned Portfolio Plan that prioritizes buildings for retrofit based on emissions intensity, capital renewal and maintenance needs, and funding opportunities. Affine then led the design and project management of Brightside’s first net-zero retrofit at Moreland Kennedy Seniors’ Residence in Vancouver. This pilot tested the technical and financial feasibility of decarbonization measures, with Affine providing project management, including retrofit scope development, consultant selection, and funding strategy. Lessons learned are informing subsequent retrofit projects, and Affine continues to deliver on the Strategy by supporting the planning and implementation of additional Brightside properties.
Key Takeaways
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Acting Early on Net Zero is a Strategic Imperative
Organizations will face increasing financial, regulatory, and reputational pressures to decarbonize. Developing a tailored net-zero strategy now is vital for staying ahead of these demands. Affine helped Brightside take proactive steps, setting them on a path to long-term sustainability.
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Leveraging Funding Opportunities to Offset Decarbonization Costs
The costs of decarbonization can be offset by federal, provincial, and utility funding programs that support affordable housing providers, making it feasible to achieve ambitious climate goals. Affine’s project management secured retrofit funding to achieve Brightside’s retrofit goals.
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Co-Benefits of Net-Zero Buildings
Beyond reducing emissions, net-zero buildings offer significant co-benefits, including lower energy costs, compliance with evolving legislation, improved resident health and safety, and enhanced climate resilience. Brightside's retrofit pilot demonstrates how decarbonization can positively impact both the environment and residents.
“Brightside has worked with Affine Climate Solutions for several years, and their expertise has brought clarity to our pathways to net zero. With Affine’s support, we developed an ambitious Net Zero Strategy to guide our decarbonization plans and secured funding to launch our first deep energy retrofits. As a non-profit housing provider, Brightside simply could not have made this critical progress without Affine.”
William Azaroff
CEO
Brightside Community Homes Foundation