2008 Commercial & Institutional Consumption of Energy Survey
Fact Sheet

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Based on the results of CICES 2008, the OEE has published a summary report providing data and analysis on the energy consumption, energy intensity and general characteristics of establishments in the C&I sector. It is important to note that the CICES 2008 data are estimates of the C&I sector. Furthermore, trend comparisons with CICES 2005 data estimates are not advisable because of methodological changes adopted for CICES 2008.

Highlights from the summary report are presented in this fact sheet.

Survey Highlights

Overview – Commercial & Institutional Sector

• CICES 2008 estimated that the Canadian C&I sector in 2008 comprised almost 470 000 establishments occupying over 705 million square metres (m²) of floor area.
  
  
• The survey estimated the total energy consumption of C&I establishments at 866 million gigajoules (GJ). This total amount is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of over 8 million Canadian households, or close to two thirds of the Canadian housing sector.
  
  
• CICES 2008 found that the total energy intensity of establishments in the C&I sector was 1.23 GJ/m² of floor area.
  
  
• A regional comparison revealed that Ontario and Quebec had the lowest intensity levels among the C&I establishments, with rates of 1.02 GJ/m² and 1.11 GJ/m², respectively. On the other hand, the Prairie region had the highest intensity rate at 1.69 GJ/m².
  
  
• The most widely used primary energy source for space heating was natural gas (52%). Electricity was the primary energy source used for space cooling (86% of establishments) and water heating (60% of establishments).

Energy Intensity

Energy intensity, defined as total energy consumed (GJ) divided by total floor area (m²), is influenced by factors such as the activity sector, geographical location, building size and other physical characteristics, age of the building, type of equipment used, occupants’ habits and behaviours, the hours of operation, energy-saving measures in place and type of energy used.

The C&I Sector’s total energy intensity in 2008 was 1.23 GJ/m².

The energy intensities observed across regions varied significantly. Energy intensities are influenced by numerous – often complex – factors. The interplay between these factors significantly impact the energy intensities at the regional level. Regional climatic differences and primary energy sources are just two of the key factors affecting energy intensity.

Size of Establishments

CICES 2008 found that C&I sector establishments had an average floor area of 1503 m².

The activity grouping with the largest average floor area per establishment was Public Administration with 5675 m². Education had the second largest at 5550 m². The Food Service & Drinking Places activity grouping had, on average, the smallest establishments (329 m²).

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