Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus Named ENERGY STAR® Building of the Year

Posted on Thursday, October 8th, 2026

PEMBROKE, ON (OCT. 8, 2026) – Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus has been recognized with the 2026 ENERGY STAR® Award for Building of the Year (College/University/CÉGEP) by Natural Resources Canada, recognizing the campus as a national leader in energy performance and sustainable building operations.

The award builds on the Pembroke Campus’s recent achievement of becoming the first college in Canada to earn ENERGY STAR certification, recognizing buildings that perform in the top 25 per cent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency.

“This national recognition reflects the College’s commitment to creating learning environments that are both innovative and sustainable,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College. “Through thoughtful investments in our facilities and the expertise of our employees, we are demonstrating that environmental stewardship and operational excellence go hand in hand. We are proud that our Pembroke Campus is setting a standard for post-secondary institutions across Canada.”

Presented annually by Natural Resources Canada, the ENERGY STAR Award for Building of the Year recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in energy management and measurable improvements in building performance.

“Congratulations to this year’s ENERGY STAR Award recipient, Algonquin College. Through innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to energy efficiency, organizations like Algonquin College are helping Canadians reduce energy use, lower energy costs, and support a cleaner economy. Their work delivers practical, energy-efficient solutions that can benefit both consumers and businesses while advancing Canada’s environmental and economic objectives. The federal government’s electrification strategy, Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy, highlights the importance of advancing energy efficiency to cut costs and build a more sustainable future. Thanks to their leadership, Algonquin College is setting an example of how to make a modern and energy-efficient Canada a reality,” said the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.

Originally constructed in 2012 to LEED® Silver standards, the Pembroke Campus has continued to improve its environmental performance through strategic investments and ongoing optimization. Recent initiatives include a campus-wide LED lighting retrofit, an Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) project to optimize building systems, and continuous monitoring of energy performance to identify opportunities for further efficiencies.

“Receiving the ENERGY STAR Building of the Year Award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Facilities Management team and our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Ryan Southwood, Executive Director, Facilities Management. “Energy efficiency isn’t achieved through one project, it’s the result of ongoing analysis, collaboration, and a commitment to operating our buildings as effectively as possible. This recognition belongs to the many people who contribute to that work every day.”

The recognition also reflects Algonquin College’s broader commitment to sustainability through its Sustainable Algonquin initiative, which advances environmental, social, and economic sustainability across the institution.

“For our campus, sustainability is about creating a place where learners can thrive today while helping to build a better future for tomorrow,” said Angela Rintoul, Dean, Pembroke Campus. “This award is something our entire campus community can celebrate. It recognizes not only the performance of our building, but the shared commitment of our employees and learners to responsible environmental stewardship.”

The ENERGY STAR Award for Building of the Year reinforces Algonquin College’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while providing modern, high-performing spaces that support teaching, learning, research, and community engagement.

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