Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) recognizes City as a leader in climate and sustainability work

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) recently recognized the City of Kingston with two national awards for leadership in energy efficiency, decarbonization, and green building. 

The City’s Facilities Management and Construction Services (FMCS) team received the Government Leadership Award for its work on sustainable buildings and energy performance. Russell Horne, Manager of Facilities Energy & Asset Management, earned the Green Building Champion award.  

Government Leadership Award – FMCS Department 

The Government Leadership Award celebrates public sector organizations that are making real progress on greener buildings in Canada. 

The FMCS team oversees over 160 city-owned buildings and is leading the way to lower emissions.  

The team is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, asset management and sustainability of all municipal facilities. This includes tracking energy use across more than 500 utility meters, installing solar PV systems on 16 buildings and over 100 EV chargers, and using a centralized building automation system at 32 major sites to maintain comfort while conserving energy.  

Some of their notable projects include mechanical system upgrades, net zero new construction and pilot projects such as Canada’s first municipal liquid desiccant dehumidifier, installed and currently undergoing testing at the INVISTA Centre.  

Thanks to FMCS’s efforts, greenhouse gas emissions from City facilities have decreased by 21 per cent per square foot since 2018, a compelling example for other governments working to address climate change. 

Green Building Champion Award – Russell Horne 

The Green Building Champion Award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional achievements in advocating for sustainable green buildings aligning with the CAGBC’s mission, vision, and values. 

Horne received the award for his leadership in cutting carbon emissions from Kingston’s municipal buildings as well as his community outreach. He plays a key role in making sustainability a core part of how the City plans, builds and operates its facilities. 

Among many other accomplishments, over the past seven years, Horne led decarbonization programs impacting over 160 buildings and improving their overall performance, expanded the building automation program, aligned capital planning with decarbonization strategies, and developed a carbon budgeting tool. He also spearheaded the creation of the Net Zero Transition Plan, a groundbreaking strategy that outlines how each City facility can cut carbon, what upgrades are needed, and how much it will cost.

Horne also organized the 2024 Kingston Climate Expo, which brought together residents, industry experts and partners to share ideas and inspire action on climate change. 

These achievements support the City’s Strategic Plan priority of Leading Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action, and align with the Climate Leadership Plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. 

“CAGBC’s recognition reflects the City’s strong commitment to sustainability and climate action, from long-term planning to hands-on, measurable innovation in our buildings,” says Neil Carbone, Commissioner, Corporate & Emergency Services. “Russell and the FMCS team have shown real leadership in making our buildings smarter, greener and more efficient. We’re proud of the work they’re doing and the example they’re setting.” 

“Our commitment to sustainability means creating a cleaner, healthier community for everyone,” says Horne. “The City is working every day to reduce emissions, save energy and protect Kingston’s shared future.” 

City staff accepted the awards at CAGBC’s Building Lasting Change Gala on June 19. Learn more about the awards and CAGBC on their website.