Our Vision and Purpose

At VR Mechanical, our mission is to lead the transition toward a low-carbon future by delivering innovative energy optimization and decarbonization solutions when designing and building new infrastructure , and through upgrading and retrofitting existing buildings and systems. We leverage decades of industry expertise, the newest technologies, and strategic partnerships to deliver systems that optimize energy use and reduce GHG emissions from the built environment.

As governments and organizations set bold climate goals, we recognize our responsibility—and opportunity—to be part of the solution. By focusing on retrofit projects in existing buildings, we aim to unlock significant emissions reductions while enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability for our clients.

Our strategy is rooted in collaboration. We work closely with energy consultants, design teams, and equipment manufacturers to develop tailored, go-to-market solutions. With a forward-thinking team and a commitment to environmental responsibility, we are shaping the next generation of mechanical contracting—one retrofit at a time.

In 2016 VR Mechanical was selected as a design assist partner on a team to design, build, and commission the Mohawk College , Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation. This was the first building to receive both ZCB – Design and ZCB – Performance Certification and help fortify our understanding how to build and commission the types of systems utilized in zero carbon applications.

The Mohawk College Partnership and Innovation Centre (MCPIC) stands as a landmark example of sustainable construction and engineering excellence. Designed to advance the college’s vision for innovative learning environments, this facility integrates high-capacity teaching spaces and collaboration zones around a central social atrium — fostering both interaction and energy efficiency.

At the core of the project was a bold goal: to make MCPIC Mohawk’s first Net Zero new build. Working as part of the design-build team, VR Mechanical provided a full-service mechanical solution that aligned with this ambitious energy target. Through the integration of geothermal and rooftop solar systems, the facility generates all the energy required to operate on-site, powered entirely by electricity and a 545 kW photovoltaic array.

To further enhance sustainability and indoor air quality, the HVAC system utilizes a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) — delivering superior ventilation and heat-recovery performance while preventing air recirculation. The result is a high-efficiency, future-ready facility that embodies Mohawk’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Mohawk College: The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation

Sustainability Project Spotlight

Our
Approach to Sustainability

Our business is centered in the new construction and retrofitting of commercial and institutional building sector. We understand these buildings make up approximately 52% of Canada’s building emissions and of those, 70% utilize some type of fossil fuels in energy production. 96% of those emissions are associated with space heating and domestic water heating loads placing significant and positive opportunities directly in our area of expertise. We have a responsibility to leverage our vast knowledge of mechanical systems and construction expertise to help propel the path to a low carbon future and educate the next generation of professionals in the best practices in achieving that goal.

In 2016 we were selected as a design assist partner on a team to design, build, and commission the Mohawk College , Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation. This was the first building to receive both ZCB – Design and ZCB – Performance Certification and help fortify our understanding how to build and commission the types of systems utilized in zero carbon applications.

The structure and teams we have developed enable us to confidently and accurately collaborate directly with owners or as part of a larger team including design consultants to bring ideas and concepts to life, design, build and commission the solution and help service and maintain the assets through the lifecycle. Our approach is based on the building of internal infrastructure to meet the demands of this market transition, and building partnership networks to assemble the correct teams

Additional Energy Optimization & Decarbonization Projects

  • Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation

  • Albright Manor

  • PMH Early Works

  • UTSC Environmental Science & Chemistry Building

  • Exhibition Place District Energy

  • UTSC Sam Ibrahim Building (IC2)

  • BGH Boiler Replacement