Shepherds of Good Hope Wins Double Awards at the Better Buildings Ottawa Award Ceremony, hosted by the City of Ottawa.

Shepherds of Good Hope is committed to environmental sustainability as part of its vision of Homes for all. Community for All. Hope for All. 

Shepherds of Good Hope received recognition for this ongoing commitment with two awards presented during the Better Building Awards at Ottawa’s City Hall.

This honour highlights the work of dedicated facilities and procurement teams who focus on environmental responsibility while simultaneously providing human dignity to people accessing services.

First Female Recipient of Building Operator of the Year Award.

Through her dedication and leadership, Melanie Desjardins received the Building Operator of the Year Award for her focus on the sustainable transformation at the Taggart-Parkes Community Hub, Shepherds of Good Hope’s transitional shelter at 256 King Edward Avenue.

“She plays a vital role in ensuring that affordable, energy efficient and comfortable spaces are available for the residents she serves,” said the City of Ottawa’s Nichole Hoover-Bienasz as she introduced Melanie for her award.

The award celebrates Melanie’s commitment to reducing water consumption and improving energy use through ongoing training and leadership.

Transitional Shelter Wins Yearly Improved Performance Emissions and Energy Efficiency Award         

“A comfortable place to sleep is a right, not a luxury,” says Peter Townsend, Shepherds of Good Hope’s Senior Manager of Facilities. “Our staff takes this seriously. Energy efficiency and the comfort of our guests and residents works together, and we’re proud to receive this award.”

Long-time employee Matthew Byrne, has been leading his team throughout the process by methodically working on the systems and building envelope in ways that support efficiency and sustainability, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy costs while improving the comfort of Shepherds of Good Hope’s guests.

“Our entire team is committed to improving energy use in all of our buildings,” says Townsend. “These two awards are shared among all of us as we continue on this exciting journey together.”

Improvements at the Taggart-Parkes Community Hub included the replacement of 67 obsolete windows with new, energy efficient glass. This investment, made possible in part through a Trillium Foundation grant, provides a warmer and brighter space for the 240 bed shelter.

Shepherds of Good Hope congratulates all award winners and thanks Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for his presentation of the awards.