Case Study:
Tim Hortons
How AALED helped Tim Hortons cut energy costs and improve lighting efficiency
2025
Client: Tim Hortons
Industry: Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR)
Location: Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough
Overview
As one of Canada’s most iconic quick-service restaurant brands, Tim Hortons is known for serving communities coast to coast with over 4,000 locations nationwide. With a consistent focus on operational efficiency and brand presentation, franchise owners across Ontario turned to AALED to support their lighting retrofit needs — both interior and exterior — while meeting energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
The Challenge
Many Tim Hortons franchise locations were operating with outdated lighting systems, including fluorescent tubes and metal halide fixtures. These older systems:
Consumed excess energy
Required frequent lamp replacements
Provided inconsistent light quality, especially in kitchens, dining areas, and drive-thrus
Franchise owners and facility managers needed:
A cost-effective retrofit strategy with minimal business disruption
Improved brightness and visibility for staff and customers
Lower utility bills and maintenance costs
Access to rebates under provincial energy-saving programs
The Results
Reduced Lighting Energy Consumption
Reduced Relamping & Ballast Replaement Costs
Tenant & Client Satisfaction Across All Retrofits
Implementation & Partnership
The AALED team collaborated closely with CBRE’s facilities and project management teams throughout the retrofit process. Our retrofit approach for CBRE included the following key steps:
On-site assessments and photometric layouts to ensure optimal fixture placement and compliance with lighting standards.
Fast order fulfillment and staging coordination to align with tight renovation and retrofit schedules.
Guidance & Expertise on rebate programs assisting CBRE in securing maximum utility incentives to offset project costs.
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