Sustainable Affordable Housing Total Cost of Building Ownership Analysis

Ottawa Community Housing is analyzing a 20-storey building’s lifecycle across 5 energy performance scenarios. This study evaluates construction costs, maintenance, energy use and emissions over 60 years. Using the Total Cost of Building Ownership approach, the team compares the long-term economic and environmental impacts of each option. These findings will guide future developments, helping Ottawa Community Housing build affordable, sustainable housing solutions.

Project scope and expected outcomes

Exploring energy efficiency in affordable housing

Ottawa Community Housing is exploring ways to improve energy efficiency. Ottawa Community Housing’s Development Strategy is being proactive to meet the targets of 300 homes per year outlined in the City of Ottawa’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. Using key metrics such as the Total Energy Use Index and Greenhouse Gas Intensity, the organization is evaluating energy performance and cost efficiency to align with long-term sustainability goals. This research will also help Ottawa Community Housing meet energy efficiency requirements for funding programs.

Analyzing life-cycle costs for energy-efficient building design

Ottawa Community Housing’s Chapel and Friel Streets site, a brownfield with zoning for a 20-storey building, serves as the test site for this research. Working with Diamond Schmitt Architects, the research team developed 5 designs using consistent footprints but different energy performance levels. These designs ranged from meeting Ontario Building Code standards to achieving a 55% or greater reduction in energy use and emissions. The team conducted energy modelling and economic analysis for each scenario, evaluating overall capital, maintenance and energy costs over a 60-year lifecycle.

Maximizing long-term costs and sustainability

Ottawa Community Housing conducted detailed modelling to estimate long-term costs and environmental impact. Each design’s energy and economic data informed operating costs and carbon emissions over time. Capital and maintenance plans were created for each scenario and reviewed by cost consultants, leading to accurate estimates for initial and ongoing expenses. These costs were then converted into Net Present Values to support a fair comparison of the Total Cost of Building Ownership.

The Total Cost of Building Ownership approach is an innovative approach that aims to evaluate the full life-cycle cost of the project, not just its initial capital cost. Ottawa Community Housing is unique as both a developer and owner/operator, which allows the organization to explore ways to optimize affordability, sustainability and operational efficiency for the lifespan of its housing projects.

Applying research findings and insights for local and national impact

The findings from this research will guide Ottawa Community Housing’s plans to add 300 homes a year to its portfolio over the next decade, ensuring long-term affordability and sustainability. The insights will also be shared locally, provincially and nationally to encourage higher building performance standards, with specific actions including:

• Operational integration: Findings and recommendations from this research will be integrated into Ottawa Community Housing’s operations and budgets to prioritize long-term energy and sustainability in building operations.
• Local sharing: Findings will be shared with the City of Ottawa’s Housing Service Manager, local housing providers and developers through platforms like the Better Buildings Group. They will also be used to advocate for making Ottawa’s High-Performance Development Standard mandatory, showcasing the economic and environmental benefits of high-performance designs.
• Provincial outreach: Results will be shared with the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association and large housing providers in Toronto, Windsor and Hamilton to inform sector-wide decisions.
• National collaboration: The research team will collaborate with organizations like Natural Resources Canada, Passive House Canada and Carleton University to disseminate findings through national forums and publications.

By aligning economic and environmental goals, this research shows that it is possible to design housing that’s both sustainable and affordable. The findings offer guidance for energy-efficient projects while providing insights for communities and housing partners across Canada.