How Toronto’s TowerWise Program Uses Partnerships to Retrofit High-Rise Buildings

Introduction

Toronto’s aging high-rise buildings are a major focus in Canada’s effort to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

The TowerWise program, led by The Atmospheric Fund (TAF), is a pioneering example of how partnerships between municipal agencies, community groups, and building owners can deliver significant retrofit success in multi-unit residential buildings.

In this post, we’ll explore how TowerWise harnesses collaboration to overcome challenges unique to high-rise retrofits, improve tenant engagement, and achieve meaningful energy savings.

What Is the TowerWise Program?

TowerWise focuses on improving the energy performance of Toronto’s pre-1980 apartment towers, many of which are less efficient and contribute disproportionately to the city’s carbon footprint.

Program Highlights:

• Retrofitting HVAC systems, lighting, and building envelopes
• Incorporating smart thermostats and energy monitoring
• Targeting a 25–40% reduction in energy use
• Engaging tenants and building managers in the process

Insight:
TowerWise is transforming aging towers into modern, efficient homes—critical for reducing Toronto’s carbon emissions.

The Role of Partnerships in TowerWise

Collaboration is key to TowerWise’s success, involving:

• The Atmospheric Fund (TAF): Program lead providing funding and technical expertise
• Toronto Community Housing: Engaging tenants and managing retrofits
• Local NGOs: Tenant advocacy groups supporting education and trust-building
• Utility partners: Offering incentives and technical support

Why This Matters:
These partnerships help build trust with tenants, who are critical stakeholders in multi-unit housing retrofits.

Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

High-rise retrofits face barriers such as tenant disruption concerns, split incentives between owners and tenants, and complex technical issues.

Collaborative Solutions Include:

• Tenant workshops co-hosted by NGOs to address concerns and explain benefits
• Coordinated scheduling to minimize disruptions
• Shared funding applications leveraging municipal, provincial, and utility programs
• Continuous communication channels between stakeholders

Example:
Tenant-focused meetings help reduce fears and build understanding, making retrofit projects smoother and more successful.

Impact and Lessons Learned

TowerWise buildings have achieved significant energy savings, reducing costs and emissions.

The program’s success highlights:

• The importance of early and ongoing tenant engagement
• The value of multi-stakeholder coordination to navigate technical and social challenges
• How leveraging incentives and grants makes retrofits financially viable

Key Takeaway:
Early collaboration and clear communication are crucial for high-rise retrofits, where tenant comfort and technical complexity intersect.

Conclusion

Toronto’s TowerWise program demonstrates how partnerships can unlock energy savings and improve living conditions in multi-unit buildings.

Collaboration between municipal agencies, NGOs, tenants, and utilities is essential for scaling these successes citywide—and beyond.