Commercial and industrial customers know all too well the amount of energy it requires to power their facilities. Large energy demands lead to bigger utility bills, and the price of business can become quite costly. That’s why we offer specialized rebates for commercial and industrial partners–programs to help improve energy efficiency and save money in the long run. If you are an industry professional or contractor who is curious how these services might support your business, visit our rebates page to learn more.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Commercial and industrial customers can benefit from a wide range of specialized rebates.
• These rebates will help lessen the financial load as businesses aim to implement high-efficiency equipment.
• Custom solutions are available for companies who hope to achieve energy and cost savings.
• Windset Farms and CertainTeed are taking measures towards a lower-carbon energy future. Read their stories below.

Celebrating customer success

There is no shortage of success at FortisBC, especially when it comes to reducing energy consumption. Commercial and industrial customers across British Columbia are taking steps to help lower their energy use and save money in the process, thanks in large part to a range of comprehensive cashback programs and rebates offered by FortisBC.

Recently, we had the pleasure of working with two local B.C. business leaders–Windset Farms and CertainTeed–both of whom have reached new heights as it pertains to improved efficiency and cost savings. Between the two, energy consumption has been slashed to the tune of one hundred thousand gigajoules (roughly what it takes to power 1,200 homes over twelve months), while rebate compensation from FortisBC has exceeded four million dollars Canadian.

High-efficiency equipment is key

Both Windset Farms and CertainTeed have gone above and beyond, and they’ve been able to do so because of savvy equipment upgrades that prioritize efficiency and lower emissions. These upgrades were eligible for our commercial and industrial rebate program and are why each business has been able to save so much money up front and will continue to do so in the long run.

Having had a chance to visit Windset Farms and CertainTeed–both of which are located nearby in Delta, B.C.–our Communications Team got to see up-close the precision and care that goes into producing local products. At the same time, as each facility was toured extensively, we were shown how recent equipment upgrades are helping save energy for these two hometown businesses.

Cream of the crop: Windset Farms is promoting efficient farming

For well over three decades, Windset Farms has been providing communities in western Canada with locally grown produce, employing state-of-the-art technology, responsible growing practices and a gentle hand. Chances are, if you’ve shopped for veggies at your neighborhood grocery store, you’ve come across one of their delicious tomatoes, cucumbers or bell peppers.

This family-run farm occupies 92 acres in Delta, operating out of the largest LED-lit greenhouse facility in Western North America. Year-round, Windset Farms delivers produce to customers across the globe, prioritizing nutrient-rich vegetables of only the highest quality.

Windset has become a leader in setting some of the highest standards with regard to seed selection, sustainable growing methods, pest control management, food safety, traceability, and packaging. We never stop looking for ways to improve service for our customers, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure consistent quality and performance.

The Windset Team

Keen on lowering their carbon emissions, Windset Farms is in constant pursuit of more efficient farming methods. Using data-driven growing techniques, the company has committed themselves to improving their overall energy efficiency.

In 2025, they were able to save roughly 106,000 gigajoules of energy through a combination of upgrades. It’s for this reason that they were named a FortisBC 2025 Efficiency in Action Award winner: an honour which recognizes select B.C. businesses who have shown an outstanding commitment to taking steps to reduce their energy use and association emissions.

“The FortisBC 2025 Efficiency in Action Award reflects the power of collaboration in driving meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future,” Windset said. “We are grateful to FortisBC for recognizing our efforts and supporting our commitment to sustainable innovation.”

So how exactly does Windset Farms save so much energy? It’s simple… their two 24-acre greenhouse facilities are packed with high-efficiency equipment.

• Double layer energy curtains are used to save energy and enhance light abatement.
• Hot water grow pipes help maintain consistent crop temperatures.
• Vertical airflow fans recirculate air.
• Fully rubber gasketed aluminum glazing bars help reduce overall energy input.
• 100% LED lighting, which uses substantially less power than traditional HPS systems.
• A biomass boiler in combination with natural gas, which allows Windset to capture CO₂ and repurpose it to promote crop growth.
• A specialized ventilation system which controls humidity in each greenhouse.

As impressive as each piece of equipment is, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This system helps to maintain optimal growing conditions year-round, which in turn means people across the province can enjoy fresh veggies from Windset Farms January through December.

Windset received a significant rebate from FortisBC to support these innovative projects. As their greenhouse operation continues to grow, so will the fruits vegetables of their labour, as this collaboration will permit more efficient farming well into the future.

Take an inside look at Windset Farms awesome facility!

Built different: CertainTeed does drywall efficiently

Did you know drywall is being made right here in B.C.? And it’s happening more efficiently thanks to a recent equipment upgrade at CertainTeed’s facility in Delta. Tucked right along the Fraser River, it’s the only plant of its kind in the entire province, and the manufacturer has made it their mission to produce their products with sustainability top of mind.

As the leader in light and sustainable construction in Canada, we must take every step available to minimize the carbon footprint of our production process, and our new heat exchanger system in Vancouver is the perfect example of that work in action.

Julie Bonamy Racine, CEO of CertainTeed Canada.

Upon entry, it’s easy to miss some of the subtleties of CertainTeed’s operation. The massive warehouse is a beehive of mechanical sound that only the bulkiest of ear plugs can even begin to block out. Zipping along a conveyor belt spanning the entire length of the building, gypsum wallboard (aka drywall) is being made on a 24/7 non-stop cycle. The operation is hot and humid, and production is only ever halted to unwrap gifts on Christmas Day.

It goes without saying that CertainTeed’s facility is super unique. Not only is it the sole source of homegrown B.C. drywall, but the business has taken the initiative to lower its energy use and associated emissions. In 2024, the wallboard manufacturer completed installation of a new heat exchanger system, a hulking piece of machinery that sits just outside the factory walls.

“This project … signifies a substantial investment towards increased efficiency, output and recycling,” CertainTeed said, “and aligns with the company’s goal to deliver the most sustainable local products to customers.”

As each piece of drywall is made, the heat exchanger pumps recycled air back into the building, allowing the plant to maintain the proper temperature while consuming less energy and ultimately lowering the facility’s associated emissions.

CertainTeed received a sizable rebate from FortisBC’s Custom Efficiency Program to support this upgrade, helping advance the project.

FortisBC is committed to supporting the sustainability and energy efficiency goals of our customers and we applaud CertainTeed for their creative, innovative approach to lowering energy use and associated emissions in their production process.

Joe Mazza, vice president of energy supply and resource development at FortisBC.

Step inside CertainTeed’s Delta facility and see how the drywall is made.

We’re here to help commercial and industrial customers

We would like to thank the fine folks at Windset Farms and CertainTeed for taking time out of their days to host us. We are so proud to be working with such amazing local partners, especially those who are committed to a lower-carbon energy future.

We are always on the lookout to support new commercial and industrial customers. If you’re curious how these programs can support your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out.