As the first commercial real estate firm in Ottawa to join the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, the company is transforming ambitious climate goals into measurable results—starting with four buildings on track for net-zero certification within just one year.

The ORA program, delivered by Hydro Ottawa, offers participating property owners access to leading energy consultants and up to 75% funding for carbon studies. For Regional Group, it was a natural fit—accelerating efforts to reduce emissions while future-proofing high-performing assets.

Each building is evaluated through a custom lens, balancing carbon reduction with operational efficiency and long-term asset value. The result: smarter buildings that meet both environmental and investor expectations.

“This isn’t just about cutting emissions—it’s about building smarter and planning for the future,” says Tal Scher, Vice President of Asset Management and Government Relations.

With a diverse portfolio that spans over 40 buildings and 2,000 residential units, Regional Group is scaling its sustainability strategy across multiple asset classes—including retail hubs like Hazeldean Mall and major office towers.

The current focus is on large, high-impact buildings with the greatest opportunity for emissions reductions. Over time, the program’s success will inform retrofits across smaller plazas and mixed-use developments—delivering a measurable impact at scale.

Regional Group’s early results are clear: net-zero is not just possible—it’s scalable. As demand for energy-efficient, environmentally responsible spaces grows, the company is helping lead Ottawa’s transformation into a low-carbon, future-ready city.

By aligning strong sustainability practices with sound investment strategy, Regional Group is setting a new standard in commercial real estate performance—and encouraging the broader industry to follow suit.

Read the full article on the Ottawa Business Journal.