Pearson Eco-Business Zone District Energy Feasibility Study
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Region of Peel studied whether a district energy system was feasible for buildings near Toronto Pearson International Airport. The idea was part of a strategy to create an eco-business zone.
A study team identified 11 buildings as potential customers for a district energy system, in which locally generated heat is shared among buildings. The buildings, many of which are hotels, have a total thermal load of 13,625 kilowatts, enough to make a district energy system effective in saving energy.
The estimated installation cost, including a central combined heat and power plant and 3.1 kilometres of piping, was $28.2 million. The next step was to look for private- or public-sector development partners for a district energy system.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 3,600 tonnes per year
Air quality would be improved
Developers of the system would see an estimated 8% internal rate of return
With fewer maintenance costs, building owners' heating costs would remain about the same
Constructing the heat and power plant would create jobs locally
Challenges
Gaining access to buildings and building managers to properly evaluate the feasibility of a district energy system.
Educating local business owners on the benefits of a district energy system.
Establishing a financial model when natural gas prices can be volatile.
Lessons learned
Establish contacts with building managers before launching the feasibility study.
Form an advisory panel of private and public stakeholders with expertise on district energy systems.
Have a champion from the municipality, because public endorsement of the project encourages potential customers.
Dennis Braun
Project Manager
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
T. 416-661-6600, ext. 5594
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To reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne has endorsed projects that will use wind, solar panels and waste-wood pellets to generate electricity and heat.
The renewable-energy projects will reduce municipal dependence on costly electricity and heat from fossil-fuel power plants, which add 106,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas to the county atmosphere each year.
Residents, business and institutions have been encouraged to install similar, smaller renewable-energy systems and to practise conservation by using energy-efficient lights and junking older gas-guzzling cars.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
531 fewer tonnes of GHG emissions annually from wood-pellet heating in local hospital
Nine fewer tonnes of GHG emissions from solar hot-water heating in local fire hall
$130,727 savings annually from wood-pellet heating in hospital
$3,106 savings each year from solar hot-water heating in fire hall
Community-wide installations of renewable-energy systems leads to a cleaner atmosphere, healthier living
Energy savings to reduce living costs
Challenges
No direct municipal influence over private renewable-energy-use decisions.
Constantly changing rules for renewable-energy project funding.
Fluctuating prices and supplies of wood-waste heating material.
Lessons learned
Avoid duplication and save money by collaborating with other municipalities on shared-interest energy projects.
Ensure municipal alternative-energy installations are financially within reach.
Set a strategy that can accommodate renewable-energy opportunities when they come up.
Emily Tipton
Sustainable Development Coordinator
District of Shelburne, NS
T. 902-875-3489
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.
Study for a new energy-efficient (LEED) fire station in Dieppe
Dieppe has conducted a feasibility study with a view to building a fire station. This project has two objectives: considerably reduce energy consumption and improve public safety. For this new building, which will meet LEED certification requirements, the City will use emerging technology, including a computerized building management system, solar walls and geothermal heat pumps. A retention pond will also provide the water the firemen need for their training. Construction of this building should generate annual savings of $1.6 million.
To prepare for the project, Dieppe visited new fire stations in some Canadian cities. Dieppe plans to share the concepts used for its fire station with other communities that are planning a similar building.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
The fire station will be partly run on two kinds of renewable energy: solar thermal and photovoltaic panels.
Dieppe expects to reduce its GHG emissions by 151,956 CO2 eq. per year.
Reduced operating costs, based on New Brunswick electricity rates, reflect annual savings of $37,000.
This project will save the community a total of $1,637,500 per year.
Construction of the new fire station will improve public safety because emergency response by the firemen will be better.
Construction will enhance contractors' and citizens' awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
Challenges
The biggest challenge was to build the new fire station within budget. Some worthwhile components had to be dropped to comply with the initial budget.
It took longer than expected to prepare the funding application because Dieppe had to answer all the questions in light of GMF requirements.
Lessons learned
When developing a project, allow time for the FCM funding application process because it does not progress at the same rate as the municipality's production schedule.
It would have been relevant to submit the grant application before finalizing the answer details because the document had to be changed later. By submitting it earlier, Dieppe would have been able to synchronize project and funding progress.
Rémi Comeau
Assistant Director
Municipal Buildings and Environment
City of Dieppe, N.B.
T. 506 877-5037
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.
Municipality of the District of Shelburne Municipal Administration Building Facilities Renewal Feasibility Study
The Municipality of the District of Shelburne studied the feasibility of renovating its 1902 administration building versus building a new one on a different site.
The municipality wanted a larger, updated building that would house a number of district, provincial and federal services. It also planned to work to a minimum LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification and to significantly reduce energy consumption. The study team concluded that renovating the existing building could save as much energy as building a new one; in either case, greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by 250 tonnes per year. Costs would be comparable.
The original building had other deciding advantages, like a central location in an established area, which made it the preferred option.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions thanks to energy upgrades
Reduced consumption of potable water thanks to low-flow washroom fixtures and rainwater collection
Reduction in energy consumption will save the municipality money
Estimated capital costs are slightly lower in the renovation scenario
Original building has a better location with shorter travel distances
The renovation scenario avoids leaving behind an aging, empty building
Updated building will provide a better work environment for municipal employees and tenants
Challenges
Some of the building's tenants were reluctant to commit to long-term tenancy in a new or renovated building.
Without commitment from the building's tenants and partners, it is difficult to plan and budget for a major project.
It can be difficult to please all project participants when a study compares two options that are attractive for different reasons.
Lessons learned
Incorporate life-cycle costing into the analysis to explore the feasibility of investing in renewable-energy and energy-efficiency infrastructure. Otherwise, these things are often judged solely on their capital costs.
Get tenants and other significant stakeholders to the table as early as possible in the planning process.
Emily Tipton
Sustainable Development Coordinator
Municipality of the District of Shelburne, NS
T. 902-875-3489
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 new town hall in Sackville, New Brunswick, houses fire, police, municipal services and council chambers in a single energy-efficient facility. Town activities had previously occupied four older, inefficient buildings. The development has improved services to the public, reduced the town's costs and increased its revenues. It is also expected to spark downtown renewal.
Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the Sackville Town Hall will reduce water consumption by more than 30 percent and use about 60 percent less energy than a comparable non-LEED building. The building uses geothermal, solar and photovoltaic power systems, high-efficiency lighting, heat recovery on exhaust units and occupancy sensors to control heating, cooling and lighting of infrequently used spaces.
The new facility was built on a brownfield in a part of Sackville targeted for renewal. The development is expected to increase property values and promote economic growth and development.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
The town hall replaces four buildings, saving space and reducing energy, operating and maintenance costs
The facility reduces annual energy use by 70% and water use by more than 40%.
Energy costs will be cut by more $26,000 a year
25-year lease of space to RCMP increases town revenues
Building on a brownfield should increase property values and promote economic development
Improved public safety from co-location of police and fire services
Fully accessible municipal offices
New space for community meetings
Challenges
Negotiating an agreement to share space with another level of government (for RCMP offices) was challenging but ultimately beneficial for both parties.
Local contractors were unfamiliar with the sophisticated energy systems specified for the building. The designers conducted education sessions with trades and sub-trades to ensure that systems were properly installed.
Residents who live near the town hall expressed concern about sirens and other noise. The design was modified to lessen these concerns.
Lessons learned
Engage the public at all key milestones to keep stakeholders informed and allow them to voice their opinions and contribute suggestions.
Allow sufficient time for comprehensive planning and to develop a detailed project brief.
Develop a detailed scope-of-work statement for contractors.
Engage a project manager/owner's representative. Sackville's project manager worked on the business case, site selection, project briefing, and the RFP process. His responsibilities also provided included quality assurance during design, administration of the construction contract and acquisition management.
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 Morden studied the feasibility of improving its community centre's energy efficiency through retrofits. At 9,100 square metres, the Morden Access Event Centre is among the largest buildings managed by the small city, and includes two indoor ice surfaces.
Energy consultants recommended seven measures that together could result in substantial energy savings. The measures ranged from installing occupancy sensors for lights in public meeting spaces and arena changing rooms to insulating hot water pipes, installing ventilation controls, and replacing incandescent lighting in the main hall. The lowest-cost measure was retrofitting vending machines to reduce their energy consumption; it had a payback period of 2.5 years. Dressing room occupancy sensors were at the high end, with a payback period of 25 years. The study team recommended the city begin with low-cost, rapid-payback measures.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Retrofits will reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent
Greenhouse gas emissions will drop by 27 tonnes per year
Operational savings from low-cost, rapid payback retrofits can be applied to higher-cost retrofits
City residents will enjoy a more comfortable building with better lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation
Challenges
Attracting a large, highly-qualified engineering firm to work on such a small project.
Gathering data on energy consumption, since the various parts of the building are not connected to separate meters.
Lessons learned
Energy can be saved by raising the temperature of arena ice slightly and using a ceiling coating that reflects less heat onto the ice.
Any big, costly retrofits are best done when equipment is due for maintenance or replacement.
A study like this is worthwhile since it can form the backbone of future energy-retrofit grant applications.
Clare Agnew
Director of Community Services
City of Morden, MB
T. 204-822-5431
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.
A provincial pioneer in sustainable development, the City of Sorel-Tracy built its first energy efficient building, the new headquarters for its fire department. The building is designed to achieve LEED Silver performance and includes a garage, living quarters for firefighters and administrative offices.
It has a Canadian tunnel chimney for natural ventilation of the garage and a solar wall that powers the heating and ventilation system. The building is oriented to take advantage of passive solar energy and natural lighting. High-efficiency plumbing fixtures, the use of local and recycled materials, plantings of native species and decreased site runoff complete the building's eco-industrial innovations.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
The building will be 45% more energy efficient than a building built to MNECB standards.
An efficient use of urban space that minimizes the environmental footprint.
The annual reduction in gas and electricity consumption will save the City nearly $33,000 annually.
Intermunicipal partnerships arising from this project will generate annual revenues of $645,212 and create permanent jobs.
The building supports an important public safety function.
The location of the building will mitigate noise issues and safety risks associated with emergency operations.
The building is part of an urban revitalization strategy.
Challenges
Establishing a winter "smart" link between the solar panels, solar wall and the building's auxiliary heating systems.
The drying tower channelling air into the Canadian tunnel needs more time to exchange heat between outdoor air and the ground. The City will install mechanical shutters to control the inflow of cold air in winter.
Geotechnical assessments showed that the ground was soft, and would require considerable work to consolidate the building's foundations. Before committing to additional expenditures, the City conducted a further analysis and confirmed that less costly but safe measures were possible.
Lessons learned
The multi-disciplinary process allowed the stakeholders to resolve the technical issues. However, the contributions of individual stakeholders could have been better targeted, for economic reasons as well as to keep the stakeholders engaged.
The measures taken to reduce the building's environmental footprint and make the most of related socio-economic benefits will support the design and construction of future municipal buildings.
The multi-disciplinary committee should have been able to involve the municipality's specialists in the project implementation process.
Pierre Dauphinais
City of Sorel-Tracy, QC
T. 450-780-5600, ext. 5694
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 save money, cut energy use, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the Peace River Regional District and four adjoining municipalities collectively developed plans to promote renewable-resource power and heating systems, as well as energy-efficient land use, waste disposal, travel and construction practices.
The communities split the cost of a consultant, who gathered input from civic officials, developers, farmers, business people and residents and set provincially mandated targets to lower GHG emissions in each municipality.
The plans offer tailor-made suggestions for educational campaigns, financial incentives, and research projects that encourage energy conservation among residents in the five communities.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Individual GHG emission reduction targets and actions for reaching them
Plans for energy-efficient waste disposal, construction and other services
Lower energy costs due to efficiency and conservation measures
Reduced risk from exposure to variable conventional-energy prices
Increased public awareness of energy-efficiency benefits
Enhanced public health and quality of life from cleaner air
Challenges
Meeting provincial requirements for GHG reductions plans in small centres with few staff resources.
Financing GHG emissions inventories, consultant costs and energy-efficiency plans with limited municipal budgets.
Convincing a rural population skeptical about climate change to make lifestyle sacrifices that reduce emissions.
Lessons learned
Small jurisdictions can more easily finance costly energy plans when they pool resources.
Municipal collaboration creates conditions for a coordinated, successful campaign to reduce GHG emissions.
Get public buy-in with district trade fairs showcasing energy-efficient improvements that provide immediate cost savings.
Bruce Simard
General Manager of Development Service
Peace River Regional District, BC
T. 250-784-3204
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.
FCM's Green Municipal Fund has developed this roadmap to provide a detailed overview of the process for bringing contaminated or abandoned sites back into productive use in your province.
Use this roadmap to:
Know the steps involved in a brownfield redevelopment project so you can be better prepared to avoid potential delays or cost overruns
Learn where to look for funding, including grants and incentive programs
Structure your discussions and consultations with project stakeholders
Improve your understanding of the brownfields regulatory framework in Manitoba
This roadmap is designed as an easy-to-follow path to help municipalities and their partners navigate the processes, regulations and funding for brownfield redevelopment projects in Manitoba.
Note: The information presented in the roadmaps is current to the publication date and may not capture all relevant programs. Please contact the responsible organizations to verify up-to-date information.
Each roadmap summarizes current provincial or territorial legislation and must not be regarded as a formal legal interpretation. Please refer to the identified legislation for complete details on requirements and seek legal advice if necessary.
FCM's Green Municipal Fund has developed this roadmap to provide a detailed overview of the process for bringing contaminated or abandoned sites back into productive use in your province.
Use this roadmap to:
Know the steps involved in a brownfield redevelopment project so you can be better prepared to avoid potential delays or cost overruns
Learn where to look for funding, including grants and incentive programs
Structure your discussions and consultations with project stakeholders
Improve your understanding of the brownfields regulatory framework in Ontario
This roadmap is designed as an easy-to-follow path to help municipalities and their partners navigate the processes, regulations and funding for brownfield redevelopment projects in Ontario.
Note: The information presented in the roadmaps is current to the publication date and may not capture all relevant programs. Please contact the responsible organizations to verify up-to-date information.
Each roadmap summarizes current provincial or territorial legislation and must not be regarded as a formal legal interpretation. Please refer to the identified legislation for complete details on requirements and seek legal advice if necessary.
