Unsure of the real-world performance of solar energy systems, the City of Toronto's Toronto Atmospheric Fund decided to evaluate 16 projects completed on municipal properties. The projects included solar-powered water heating at community pools and a solar wall to pre-heat air at a community centre. Four large solar photovoltaic arrays sending electricity to the provincial grid were also studied.
Independent experts visited all 16 sites and gathered data on energy production, annual costs, maintenance challenges and payback periods.
A list of best practices for solar energy projects was developed and shared with industry, municipal staff and the public at six information sessions. The detailed reports on each project are shared on the web.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
One outdoor pool's solar energy system produced 4,515 kilowatt hours per month to heat the pool
Estimated payback period for photovoltaic arrays ranged from 13 to 18 years
Payback for optimized solar heating of an outdoor pool was estimated to be 14.8 years
Best practices to guide future projects
All results are available to the public on the website
Challenges
Technical problems with solar-heated pool systems and solar-powered indoor heat systems
Rodent damage to domestic solar-heated water systems
Improperly installed monitoring equipment
Lessons learned
Solar energy systems work best if the on-site operator is trained by the system installer.
Solar energy projects should provide for ongoing monitoring.
Inform local councillors and communities of municipal solar energy initiatives.
Tim Van Seters
Manager, Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
T. 289-268-3902
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
The City of Kitchener has consolidated its once-scattered maintenance operations into a former Michelin tire plant.
The facility, which now features a solar roof, geo-thermal heat recovery and low-flow fixtures, was redesigned to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification. Road and park maintenance, water and sewer work, fleet repair and snow clearing operations — formerly spread over five sites — now operate from a single 45-acre location. The city's corporate call centre, stockrooms, salt and bulk material storage and greenhouses — and a total of 450 employees — have also moved to the site.
Energy and other efficiencies at the $66-million facility will save the city $350,000 a year.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Reduces energy use by 50 percent, compared with a standard building
Offsets 137 tonnes of GHG emissions per year by generation from solar roof
Saves $350,000 per year through lower energy costs and efficiency improvements
Single facility creates efficiencies in work scheduling and equipment use
Provides a more comfortable, safer workplace
Delivery of city services from a single site is faster and more efficient
Challenges
Migrating city maintenance operations and 450 employees to a single site without disrupting essential services.
Meeting daunting approval and documentation requirements of various funding agencies.
Gaining dedicated resources and support from city managers and council.
Lessons learned
Dedicate a team to the project rather than adding it to the staff workload.
Make a strong business case to ensure council and public support and to access government funding.
Review service and space needs thoroughly to avoid expensive last-minute redesigns.
Cynthia Fletcher
Director, Facilities Management
City of Kitchener, ON
T. 519-741-2600 ext. 4424
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
Worried that the town's rural character was being lost in a sea of new homes for buyers from nearby Toronto, concerned residents of Halton Hills launched a campaign to save Devereaux House, a condemned town-owned 19th-century heritage home on 100 acres of farmland.
To forestall slated demolition, Friends of Devereaux House argued that energy-saving upgrades and renovations could transform the residence into a rentable, financially self-sufficient community meeting place. The town agreed, and added $150,000 to a $34,000 Green Municipal Fund grant and $400,000 in private donations to refit the house with a geothermal heating and cooling system, new energy-saving windows, on-demand water heaters and high-grade wall and roof insulation.
Devereaux House is now a popular spot for social events and home to a community soccer club. Rental revenue covers operating costs.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
89 per cent reduction in energy use from energy-efficient heating, other improvements
23.8 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided annually thanks to geothermal heating
Rental income from community groups and functions covers operating costs
Lower heating bills over seven years offset geothermal installation costs
A popular venue for social events and home to a community soccer club
A model for sustainable heritage preservation,offering lessons on energy conservation
Challenges
Finding contractors who shared the heritage group's conservation ethic.
Hiring builders with energy-efficient heritage restoration experience.
Persuading time-conscious tradespeople to restore, rather than replace, heritage features.
Lessons learned
Volunteer fundraising takes time. Be prepared to spend more than you expect.
Community members develop a sense of ownership in projects when they volunteer and help raise funds.
Municipal authorities are amendable to financially self-sustaining heritage projects.
Ann Lawlor
Friends of Devereaux House
Halton Hills, ON
T. 905-877-5662
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
To accommodate an increase in police staff and meet the requirements of police and forensic services, the Region of Waterloo built a new Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Investigative Services Branch building, including a forensics laboratory and vehicle examination garage, meeting rooms, office space and ancillary support rooms. Located next to the existing headquarters facility in Cambridge, Ontario, the 4,148-square-metre building received LEED Gold certification for environmental sustainability.
The project used four strategies to achieve exceptional energy efficiency results: load avoidance, heat recovery, use of renewable energy sources and installation of high-efficiency equipment. Innovative features include energy recovery ventilators, a condensing boiler and domestic hot water heater, demand-controlled ventilation, extra building insulation, high-performance windows, efficient lighting design and indoor water conservation fixtures. Rainwater is collected in an underground cistern and used for non-potable requirements such as toilet flushing. Outdoor stormwater management features and native plant species encourage wildlife and eliminate the need for pesticides and irrigation. The region chose furniture and equipment to minimize off-gassing, and developed a green housekeeping program for the building that sets a standard for the future.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
161.5 tonne reduction in annual GHG emissions (compared to conventional building)
52% reduction in energy consumption
64% reduction in indoor water use
84% of construction waste diverted from landfill
30% recycled content in building materials
$47,600 in annual energy savings (compared to conventional building)
34% of building materials sourced and manufactured regionally, benefiting local economy
Capital costs offset by reduced utility costs and increased building longevity
Increased public safety and improved investigative capacity, including new forensic identification service facility
High indoor air quality and healthier environment for occupants and construction team
Enhanced working environment with natural daylight and manual window vents
Challenges
It was difficult for the building designers to understand the specific government regulations for the forensic laboratory portion of the building, and changes had to be made to the building design once third-party specialists reviewed the plans. Expectations should have been clarified through closer collaboration in the design stage.
Heat recovery from the ventilation system was challenging to install in the laboratory, where it is critical to avoid cross-contamination between exhaust air and supply air. Separate ductwork was required, with filtration of both incoming and outgoing air.
Lessons learned
Use an integrated design process to ensure that the individual systems work together holistically, with all the disciplines at the table and information fully disseminated to all team members.
Target LEED certification rather than simply asking for a building that meets LEED standards, to ensure that goals are met and to verify results through third-party review.
Choose contractors who are experienced with LEED certification requirements, be clear about expectations and ensure that pictures are taken to document LEED compliance measures.
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
The City of Kelowna developed corporate and community action plans to reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The corporate plan is an effort to reduce GHG emissions from City activities by up to 26 per cent by 2017. The community plan is intended to reduce emissions by 33 per cent from 2007 levels by 2020. The plans will encourage residents to conserve energy at home and to change their commuting habits. Businesses will also be encouraged to reduce energy consumption.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Reduces corporate GHG emissions by as much as 26 percent by 2017
Reduces community GHG emissions by 33 percent of 2007 levels by 2020
Reduces kilometres driven by 20%
Energy cost savings to repay $2.8 billion investment under municipal plan within seven years
Annual energy savings of approximately $423,000 after the first seven years
Adding energy efficiency and GHG reduction to business cases for municipal projects
Job creation through
energy efficiency improvements
Offers active transportation options that improve population health and air quality, increase social interaction and strengthen neighbourhoods
Challenges
Reducing GHG emissions was not the only priority of City staff, and the benefits were not clearly communicated to them.
Baseline energy and emissions data were disorganized.
The consultant was late with deliverables for both plans.
Lessons learned
Ensure energy and emission inventory data is up-to-date and accessible.
Ensure consultant can prepare deliverables on time.
Ensure that schedule allows key stakeholders to contribute to the plan.
Lorna Gunn
Grants Manager
City of Kelowna
T. 250-469-8936
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
To cut its dependence on diesel-generated electricity, the lakeside northern community of Whati studied construction of a hydroelectric system powered by running water from the nearby La Martre River Falls, which flow out of Lac Le Martre.
The study found that energy from the river's natural flow could provide 1,200 kilowatts of hydro power, enough to replace the 1,015 kilowatts supplied by the community's diesel generators. The project would require construction of a reservoir, a turbine-equipped powerhouse fed by a 1,284-metre pipe from the river, and overhead wires to distribute the electricity.
The system would eliminate the need to truck in 400,000 litres of diesel fuel each year from Yellowknife, which is 164 kilometres to the southeast over roads only open in the winter.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
1,370 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions cut annually by using electricity from hydro, not diesel fuel
400,000 litres of diesel fuel unconsumed
Hydro plant construction jobs
Diesel-fuel trucking costs eliminated
Local source of electricity will provide a reliable supply of power
Local power will boost community sense of independence
Challenges
Funding for the hydroelectric project is subject to Northwest Territory budget constraints.
Reliability of the water supply could be threatened by weather conditions.
Lower winter water flows could lead to electricity restrictions when cold weather demand is highest.
Lessons learned
Storage reservoirs may be needed to ensure sufficient water to generate power and maintain river ecosystems.
Be prepared for a lengthy study period.
Government financing for alternative energy projects can be uncertain.
Sonny Zoe
Community Energy Coordinator
Whati, NT
T. 867-573-3401
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
Centre for Sustainable Development: A Green Demonstration Building
The City of Montreal and Équiterre, an agency that promotes environmental and social responsibility, designed and built the first Quebec building to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification.
The Centre for Sustainable Development is a 65,000-square-foot green building in downtown Montreal's entertainment district that houses Équiterre and several sustainable-development organizations. In addition to offices, the building has a sustainable development interpretative centre.
Planners brought together city and Hydro-Québec officials, architects, builders and other stakeholders to design the centre. Geothermal heating and other energy-efficiency measures were incorporated to help cut energy consumption. A fresh-air ventilation system and a wall covered with plants provides first-rate air quality.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
60%-65% reduction in energy use resulting from green construction, heating and lighting
Improved air qualityfrom fresh-air ventilation, wall of plants
60%-65% reduction in heating, lighting, ventilation and other energy costs
Cost savings are incentives for more green construction
Green building offers healthier, more comfortable workplace
Interpretative centre provides educational and research tool for sustainable building
Challenges
Coordinating a diverse group of project participants.
Incorporating a significant amount of recovered, reused and recycled material into the building's construction.
Modifying designs to keep construction costs on budget.
Lessons learned
Employ an integrated team that can meet regularly to solve planning and design questions.
Involve municipal and public utility officials to facilitate regulatory and other public aspects of the process.
Make public education a part of the project to foster awareness of sustainable development.
Normand Roy
Équiterre
Montreal, QC
T. 514-214-3375
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
City of Kingston Energy Retrofit Feasibility Study
The City of Kingston audited energy and water use in 37 municipal buildings, looking for ways to reduce consumption.
Lighting, heating, cooling, insulation and automated systems were examined for energy-saving opportunities. The city endorsed a series of specific retrofits for each building, from changing the types of lamps used to installing occupancy sensors. The audit revealed that reprogramming building automation systems - for example, adjusting thermostat set temperatures - could significantly reduce energy consumption. The changes were estimated to cost $3,130,800 but provide $351,800 in savings per year. With provincial and federal grants, the payback period was estimated at 8.3 years.
The city has carried out most of the recommended retrofits. Reducing utility consumption will cut greenhouse gas emissions and save the city money.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Lower consumption of natural gas, electricity and water, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Utility cost savings will mean an attractive payback period on retrofits of 8.3 years
The retrofits provide residents with a good example of energy conservation
Challenges
The initial scope of the study, which included major building-system upgrades and options for renewable energy, was too broad.
Auditing 37 buildings took a lot of time.
Lessons learned
Target buildings with the greatest energy use instead of auditing energy use in every municipal building.
Use the same engineering firm for the audit and the work - and sign an energy performance contract as a guarantee of their forecasted energy savings.
Make sure to involve building operators in the study. They know their buildings and can help assess how practical it will be to implement the recommendations.
Make sure building operators get training on the retrofits.
Debra Krakow
Project Manager
City of Kingston, ON
T. 613-546-4291, ext. 3120
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
Surrey Civic Centre District Energy Feasibility Study
The City of Surrey studied the feasibility of a district energy system (DES) for its new civic centre and its growing central business area. A DES distributes heating and cooling to a number of buildings from a central source. The study team decided that a geothermal system could serve the buildings in the civic centre complex. For the next phase of downtown development, the team recommended a gas-fired boiler plant. Phase 3 would replace the gas-fired system with a large biomass-fueled plant. The DES will be operated by Surrey City Energy, a municipally-owned utility created in January 2011.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from elimination of multiple heating and cooling systems in the downtown core.
Increased energy security from use of renewable, locally-sourced energy.
DES will reduce energy costs, stimulate economic development and create jobs.
DES may provide a long-term source of revenue for the city.
DES will help revitalize the downtown core.
DES will increase public awareness of energy sustainability.
Challenges
Designing a heating and cooling system to serve up to 800,000 square metres by 2030
Meeting the renewable energy requirement of the City's sustainability charter
Expanding the district energy system through three phases of downtown development
Developing a customer base that will follow the system from natural gas to a low-carbon renewable fuel source
Lessons learned
Consider the needs of future customers when planning a district energy system.
Examine existing systems in other cities to gain a full appreciation of technologies and their benefits.
Create a project team with technical, financial and regulatory expertise.
Jason Owen
Acting Manager District Energy Section
City of Surrey, BC
T. 604-591-4742
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
The coastal town of St. Andrews in southwest New Brunswick has upgraded its wastewater treatment plant to meet environmental standards, improve the quality of life for residents, and create capacity for growth.
To minimize costs and the environmental impact of construction, the town chose to deepen and line one of its two treatment ponds, introduce aeration and UV disinfection systems and install a monitoring and control system. The upgrade has reduced key pollutants by 85 to 90 percent and eliminated the need to treat effluent with chlorine. The new system also minimizes the chance of releasing untreated effluent into Passamaquoddy Bay.
The upgraded water treatment system has reduced health risks, cut noise pollution and minimized offensive odours. The additional treatment capacity has also made it possible for St. Andrews to plan for long-term sustainable economic development.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Reduced levels of bacteria, suspended solids and trace chlorine in effluent.
Reduced the chance of untreated effluent discharges during power outages.
Upgrade saves on maintenance and repair costs and cuts energy use.
Construction provided a boost for local businesses.
Increased capacity will allow growth and sustainable development.
The project improved quality of life by reducing health risks, cutting noise pollution and minimizing odours.
The upgrade made working conditions for municipal employees safer.
Challenges
Quotes for the project came in about 15 percent over budget. The town sought additional funding and accepted design changes that cut costs without jeopardizing key objectives. Town planners advise other communities to prepare a budget with a 25 percent allowance for contingencies.
Additional budget issues arose once the project was underway. The contractor had to remove more sludge than expected and an unusually cool wet spring caused delays.
Lessons learned
Do your own research. Small municipalities may rely heavily on consultants but it is important to find out about new technologies and to contact organizations with experiences to share.
Envision and plan for the worst-case scenario. Build financial and scheduling flexibility into your plan.
Keep residents informed. Start early with public meetings to explain the project and its benefits.
Schedule regular meetings between the contractor, consultant and municipality. Continuous communication will help you foresee and address issues.
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
