Toronto, ON – Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG,) Canada’s largest horse racing operation, is pleased to announce that it has completed the first phase of its energy retrofit program. The energy retrofits, designed and implemented by Direct Energy Business Services, will save WEG $475,000 per year in energy costs and significantly reduce its energy usage.
In recognition of WEG’s success, Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief Conservation Officer, awarded his prestigious Certificate of Recognition to Nick Eaves, WEG’s President and COO at an evening ceremony at Woodbine Racetrack. The Certificate recognizes WEG’s leadership in pursing an aggressive plan to reduce its energy usage across its facilities.
“With over 5 million visitors to our facilities each year, we wanted to demonstrate to these customers that it is possible to significantly reduce one’s energy usage and carbon footprint if you make a long-term commitment,” said Nick Eaves, President and COO of WEG. “We are pleased that our work represents a significant savings, both financially and to the environment.”
The three-year, $5 million project consisted of several initiatives including enterprise level software solutions, engineering services, building automation systems, a Smardt chiller installation, a steam boiler conversion, a domestic hot water boiler installation, automated air handling units, occupancy sensors and lighting retrofits.
“I congratulate Woodbine Entertainment Group for partnering with Direct Energy to conduct retrofits in their facilities,” said Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer. “These retrofits will save energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gases. I urge others to follow suit and help us build a culture of conservation across Ontario.”
WEG was also recognized, at the event, by Enbridge Gas Distribution, BOMA Toronto and Toronto Hydro for their energy conservation program. Enbridge provided WEG with a cheque for $37,408.25 as part of their Retrofit Incentives program.
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