Officials are looking to identify high wildfire risk areas near people and cities that could benefit from fire prevention efforts.
In some cases, this means partnering with forest products companies to harness logging activity for fire prevention.
The Whole Story:
Nope, it’s not just haunted house fog that wafted through Metro Vancouver this October. Once again, B.C. residents were blanketed in wildfire smoke.
But experts say the country isn’t helpless when it comes to addressing wildfire risks and the wood products industry can play a role in keeping skies clear and communities safe.
Kate Lindsay, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Forestry Products Association of Canada, explained that climate change is creating conditions for hotter, less controllable wildfires.
“That’s what we have seen, particularly in B.C., but we are seeing it in all parts of Canada to be honest,” she said.
Lindsay noted that B.C. recently updated forestry law to identify wildland fire urban interface areas (WUIs). These are lines, areas, or zones where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.
“What the B.C. government has done is allowed those WUIs to have flammability ratings done, so some will be more flammable and a higher risk for fire,” said Lindsay. “The hope is that this will allow forest managers to take those high-risk WUIs into consideration for thinning and fire break creation.”
And after trees are harvested, more fire-resistant species can be planted in their place.
These efforts can be partnered with programs like FireSmart, which seeks to improve communication with stakeholders; and to organize programs and assets into a logical, manageable structure based on three pillars – homeowners, neighbourhoods and communities.
“It’s about people understanding what the risks are around wildfires and the steps they can take to mitigate wildfire risk,” she said. “It’s a whole-of-society approach that works at multiple scales: homeowner, community and landscape scale.”
Parks Canada chronicles how it partnered with Canfor to reduce fire risk around Jasper, Alta. with logging. – Parks Canada
In some cases, this can lead to beneficial partnerships with the forest products sector. Lindsay cited a recent example of this in Jasper, Alta. Beginning in late 2018, Parks Canada contracted Canfor, a forestry products company, to log dead and dying trees in mountain pine beetle affected forest west of the city in an area known as Pyramid Bench.
“People want to have nature be relatively free from human intervention, but what we are finding is that national parks are under a lot of climate change stress,” said Lindsay.
David Argument, resource management officer for Jasper national park, explained in a video on the project that the city was too close to the affected area for safe prescribed burns.
“Logging at this scale in a national park is not something that we really do, so we had to weigh the visitor impacts and ecological integrity of the site with the need to reduce the fire risk.
Kari Stuart-Smith, senior forest scientist at Canfor, explained that the project included strict requirements to limit impacts to the soil, animals and trails.
“One of the key lessons from this project is that logging can be used to reduce the fuel hazard in extremely sensitive areas,” she said.
Key Takeaways:
Surrey is embarking on a multi-phase project to upgrade its dyke systems.
The city’s strategy is in response to increasingly severe flooding and storm events.
Officials are seeking $10 million in provincial funding for the first phase.
The Whole Story:
Surrey officials are moving to bolster the city’s defenses against climate change.
The B.C. city announced it is in the first phase of upgrading the dyke network to protect against flooding from increasingly more common high magnitude storm events.
Officials explained that the upgrades are being done to protect against flooding from increasingly more common high magnitude storm events. As a next step in enhancing the network, the city will be applying for $10 million in funding to upgrade the Nicomekl River Dyke.
“It is important that the city expand and enhance our dyke network to protect against the increasing effects of rising sea levels and storm events,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “Upgrading and maintaining Surrey’s dykes are important because it provides effective protection against flooding from increasingly more common high magnitude storm events as was experienced in November of 2021. For these reasons, the city is applying for grant funding to significantly upgrade our dyke network.”
The city council has endorsed an application for grant funding for the Nicomekl River Dyke Upgrade Project, from 168 Street to 188 Street for a total of $10 million through B.C.’s Green Adaptation, Resilience & Disaster Mitigation Program (ARDM) as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Officials noted that the city’s drainage utility has enough funding in its capital project reserve for the city’s financial portion (27 per cent) of the project’s eligible costs.
Surrey has approximately 100 kilometres of dykes throughout the city.
Key Takeaways:
The $146 million project is expected to be completed in 2023.
It’s receiving $10 million from Emissions Reduction Alberta.
Construction will employ roughly 140 workers.
The Whole Story:
The sun is about to rise on TC Energy’s Saddlebrook Solar Project.
TC announced it will begin pre-construction activities on the project near Aldersyde, Alta. The $146 million facility is TC Energy’s first Canadian solar project. It has the capacity to generate 81 megawatts, enough energy to power 20,000 homes annually. The initial construction includes installing solar panels on TC Energy property in the local industrial park.
“This is the first utility-scale solar project to be fully developed and delivered by TC Energy in our history,” said Corey Hessen, TC Energy executive vice-president and president, ower & energy solutions. “This investment bolsters our ability to deliver low-carbon solutions for our customers and underscores our commitment to add renewable energy to the local electricity grid.”
The project is partially supported by $10 million from Emissions Reduction Alberta.
TC Energy has obtained all regulatory approvals and permits. Construction is expected to wrap in 2023. During the construction phase, about 140 workers are expected to support the project. Once in operation, two full-time TC Energy employees will work at the facility.
“The High River Chamber is excited to see the introduction of diversified energy solutions to our area and the potential for stronger business relationships, contract opportunities and employment possibilities,” said Lisa Szabon-Smith, executive director of High River & District Chamber of Commerce. “To see the Saddlebrook area become the home of such a project is exciting for our community.”
Funding has been secured for a net-zero RCMP detachment in North Cowichan.
$11.5-million from the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) will go towards the construction of a net-zero energy ready (NZER) RCMP detachment facility in the municipality of North Cowichan. This includes a $10 million low interest loan and a $1.5 million grant.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the integrated hub will better serve a growing urban population of about 50,000 residents across North Cowichan, Duncan, Cowichan Tribes and the surrounding rural areas. The new, 50,000-square-foot building will consolidate the North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment, Forensic Identification Services, South Island Traffic Services and Indigenous Policing.
GMF previously supported the construction of a NZER RCMP detachment in Fort St. John in northern B.C. The current project is based on that same design but has been optimized for North Cowichan’s different climate and usage needs.
Officials added that the project will also incorporate energy efficiency in every aspect of the building design. Optimized features of the building include:
Structure and site orientation improvements.
high-efficiency equipment.
Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels.
Solar shading to reduce cooling demand by 45 per cent.
Daylight sensors to reduce annual lighting operations by 25 per cent.
The GMF, administered by the FCM, is funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada. GMF helps local governments switch to sustainable practices more quickly. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Takeaways:
The condo complex design was inspired by biophilia concepts.
The developers hope Quebec can be an example of what sustainable, responsible construction can be.
The WELL standard, unlike LEED, solely focuses on the well-being of those inside the building by evaluating concepts like air, water, nourishment, luminosity, thermal comfort, movement, sound, materials, mind, community and innovation.
The Whole Story:
Le Huppé, a rental condo complex in Quebec City is the first residential building in Canada to receive Gold level WELL certification.
The WELL program is run by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Certification is carried out by the same independent organization that does LEED, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Unlike LEED, WELL certification is the first standard that focuses on the health and well-being of the people inside the building. Projects are reviewed by a team that ensures that the building and its environment adhere to the 10 major WELL concepts: air, water, nourishment, luminosity, thermal comfort, movement, sound, materials, mind, community and innovation. The standard also has more than 100 individual indicators ranging from performance standards and design strategies to specific operational procedures.
The team behind Le Huppé, Immostar and its partner Fiera Real Estate, explained that a major inspiration for the project’s design was the concept of biophilia – the human affinity for living things and natural systems. This meant it should include optimal access to natural light, views of the outdoors, and materials and textures reminiscent of the natural environment.
Le Huppé features a library accessible to all residents. – Immostar
“The pandemic has sharpened our focus on wellness and underlined the importance of helping people stay healthy,” said François Pelchat, partner and vice-president of development and marketing at Immostar. “Along with our partner Fiera Real Estate, we have made it our mission to drive change in the real estate industry and help improve the lives of residents. The WELL standard is not merely cosmetic. It is a real paradigm shift. It’s up to us, as leaders in Quebec’s real estate industry, to set an example and show how important it is to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria when investing in projects.”
Pelchat added that society is becoming more aware that buildings have a large carbon footprint, both through the use of polluting materials and through the consumption of resources and energy.
“The real estate industry can make a significant contribution to achieving emission reduction targets – and socially engaged buildings are how,” he added. “These buildings are the new way forward for real estate. They meet the needs of a clientele that cares about the environment and their community.”
Some of strategies used to achieve the certification included:
Improved air and water quality treatment.
Increased natural light through generously sized windows and glare control in all living spaces and in the condos themselves.
Lighting and temperature controlled by the occupant in all common areas.
Signs offering health, nutrition and workout tips throughout the building.
A shared library space.
Promotion of physical activity through an inviting and fun staircase design.
A variety of indoor and outdoor common spaces that encourage interaction and community.
Key Takeaways:
The world’s largest copper mine in Chile is switching over to electric vehicles.
The fleet of 160 haul trucks will be replaced over the next 10 years.
The high-tech vehicles will also support the future transition to autonomous driving.
The Whole Story:
BHP Group Limited, Caterpillar and Vancouver-based Finning International announced an agreement to replace BHP’s entire haul truck fleet at the Escondida mine, the world’s largest copper producer, located in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile.
The agreement is part of a strategic equipment renewal process developed by Escondida. The mine will begin using Caterpillar 798 AC electric drive trucks that feature improvements in material-moving capacity, efficiency, reliability and safety.
The Australian-based resource company noted that the new equipment will also generate a positive impact in key initiatives for the future, such as decarbonization, diversity and inclusion, autonomous technologies, and the development of local capabilities.
“This agreement is an important step to continue projecting into the future Escondida | BHP´s leadership in the industry,” said James Whittaker, president of Escondida | BHP. “It will allow us to generate significant efficiencies at the operational level, but it is also in line with some of the main challenges that drive us as a company: innovation for the future of mining, decarbonization, and development of capabilities in Antofagasta´s community. We have great expectations regarding the benefits that will be generated in the short and long term for both the company and the Antofagasta region.”
This image offers a peek into the Escondia Mine, the world’s largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes. – BHP
The first trucks are expected to arrive at the mine late next year, with delivery of the remaining trucks to extend over the next 10 years as the three companies work to replace one of the world’s largest mining fleets.
The Escondida site currently uses more than 160 haul trucks. Maintenance and support services provided under the agreement advance BHP’s local employment and gender balance strategies. Finning´s Integrated Knowledge Center, located in Antofagasta, will provide technical support for the fleet.
“We are very pleased to build on our long-term relationship with BHP to support its Escondida operations by improving efficiency, productivity, and safety, as well as reducing its carbon footprint, supporting its diversity and inclusion journey, and contributing to the development of capabilities in Antofagasta,” said Scott Thomson, president and CEO of Finning International. “This is the largest fleet deal in Finning’s history, and will significantly expand the Caterpillar truck population and support the transition towards cleaner energy, with electric drive trucks, and future zero-emission trucks.”
Key Takeaways:
Deep energy retrofit projects could receive up to $500,000 in funding.
A panel of experts will choose 10 to 16 of the best project applications for funding.
The city is eager to curb greenhouse gas emissions from buildings as they cause roughly 57 per cent of total community-wide emissions.
The Whole Story:
Toronto has opened applications for its Deep Retrofit Challenge, an initiative to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in the city.
Encouraging deeper retrofits
The challenge will provide funding to support deeper-than-planned energy retrofits in 10 to 16 privately-owned buildings, with the goal of accelerating emissions reductions and identifying pathways to net zero that can be replicated in other buildings. The project is funded through a $5 million investment provided by Natural Resources Canada’s Green Infrastructure – Energy Efficient Buildings Program.
Successful applicants will receive a grant equal to 25 per cent of their total project costs up to a maximum of $500,000 – depending on gross floor area and building performance – to offset the incremental design and construction costs required to achieve maximum emissions reductions.
Who can apply
Buildings must be located within Toronto and be an Ontario Building Code Part 3 building, meaning greater than 600 square metres or greater than three storeys. Eligible buildings include:
Mixed-use buildings (residential and commercial, including residential over commercial)
Eligible projects must:
Involve a deep retrofit that reduces both GHG emissions and energy usage by at least 50 per cent.
Meet a 20-year payback period or better.
Be completed and operational by January 1, 2025.
Projects must use a comprehensive whole-building approach, considering how components of the building work together as an integrated system. Eligible measures include:
Building enclosure improvements such as insulation, high-performance windows and air sealing.
Energy recovery (ventilation, drain or equipment).
Electric heat pumps (ground or air-source) for space hating and hot water.
Renewable electricity generation.
Building controls.
How projects are chosen
The city says the projects will be selected through a “competition-style” process. A design meeting organized by the city will assemble a variety of specialists to identify energy and environmental improvements that may be achieved by the selected projects, and opportunities to advance the design to maximize emissions reductions. Net zero buildings typically eliminate the use of fossil fuels.
Building owners may also apply to the City’s Energy Retrofit Loan program and High-Rise Retrofit Improvement Support program to assist in funding their projects, as well as incentives available from other sources.
Marching towards net zero
The city hope the challenge encourages early compliance with the City’s Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy and advance the goals and targets of the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Strategy, including the city’s net zero by 2040 emissions reduction target.
“The projects will serve to demonstrate the deep energy retrofits needed to move buildings towards net zero emissions, with the goal of accelerating market adoption,” said the city.
Officials noted that buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto, creating approximately 57 per cent of total community-wide emissions, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels for heating and hot water.
To achieve the emissions reduction trajectory needed to reach net zero by 2040, community-wide emissions from all sources must be sliced in half in the next eight years. The City controls only about five per cent of community-wide GHG emissions directly through its own buildings and operations.
The city also committed to release information from the projects, including designs, budgets and performance data to drive case studies, technical reports and academic research. They hope this information will help promote community knowledge of deep retrofits and facilitate the uptake of deep retrofits.
Key Takeaways:
The Cement Association Canada is the first industry-wide group to join the Net-Zero Challenge.
The group will implement a plan to produce net-zero concrete by 2050.
Details of this plan will be released this fall.
The Whole Story:
The Cement Association of Canada announced it would be the first industry-wide participant to join the federal government’s Net-Zero Challenge. The Net-Zero Challenge is a voluntary initiative led by the Government of Canada that encourages businesses to develop and implement credible and effective plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Participation in the Net Zero Challenge requires public transparency and disclosure, including a comprehensive net-zero plan, two interim emissions reduction targets consistent with achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, and annual progress updates.
The association noted that concrete is the most used building material on the planet, second only to water.
“It is found in virtually every class of infrastructure – from bridges to buildings, watermains to hydro-dams, hospitals to schools, sidewalks to subways,” said the group.
The association added that Concrete’s strength, durability and resilience will play a critical role in ensuring the nation’s infrastructure stands up to extreme weather– heat, flooding, wildfires and wind.
The group stated that it will release an industry action plan this fall outlining the steps the industry needs to take to produce net-zero concrete by 2050. The plan will highlight significant milestones, including cutting carbon emissions up to 40 per cent by 2030.
“Climate change is our industry’s most significant challenge,” said Adam Auer, president of the association. “It is also our greatest opportunity. By charting a credible, transparent path to net-zero emissions, our industry continues its history of leadership in building the sustainable world of tomorrow. We are proud to be a founding participant in the Net-Zero Challenge as just one example of our pursuit of proactive partnerships with governments, the construction sector and civil society groups to support the ambitious and science based imperative of reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.”
Key Takeaways:
Canadian long-term energy storage company Hydrostor is partnering with Kiewit on a FEED study for a massive energy storage centre in California.
It would be capable of eliminating the equivalent of roughly 120,000 cars off the road every year.
The facility would use Hydrostor’s advanced compressed air technology to store excess green energy.
The Whole Story:
The 500 MW Willow Rock Energy Storage Center would be the largest stand-alone energy storage project in the state. It also comes after California officials have set a goal of using 100 per cent carbon-free energy by 2045.
The project will store excess generation from California solar and wind projects during periods of low customer demand by compressing air and storing it on the project site. During periods of higher customer demand or low supply, this high-pressure air is used to generate emissions-free electricity to meet real-time electrical load and enhance overall grid reliability. The project is designed to generate electricity for at least eight hours at full capacity.
Hydrostor stated that the work demonstrates steady progress in the development of its advanced compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) technology in North America.
According to Hydrostor, A-CAES uses commercially proven equipment and processes to provide affordable, large-scale, and emission- free long-duration energy storage (LDES).
The company added that Willow Rock will be capable of storing enough energy to provide reliable power for up to 400,000 homes over 8 hours, turning California’s growing solar and wind resources into on-demand peaking capacity, enabling the closure of emitting fossil fuel resources while maximizing transmission system utilization.
“Hydrostor continues to reach important milestones at Willow Rock, and we look forward to working with the world-class engineering and construction teams at Kiewit to advance this critical clean energy project,” said Curtis VanWalleghem, Hydrostor CEO. “Our global teams are paving the way towards achieving aggressive net-zero goals. Willow Rock will be capable of eliminating the equivalent of roughly 120,000 cars off the road every year over its 50+ year project life.”
Kiewit praised Hydrostor’s approach, stating that LDES solutions like A-CAES are a critical component of grid modernization.
“We look forward to commencing work on Willow Rock, which has the potential to abate significant emissions and provide a reliable, sustainable energy source for many decades,” said Kevin Needham, president of Kiewit Power Engineers.
Key Takeaways
The first phase of the rules goes into effect this October.
More than half of the demolition material that hits Metro Vancouver landfills is recyclable.
Starting in 2023, the rules will be encouraged with a deposit system that gives a refund when the diversion goal is hit.
The Whole Story:
Rules around demolition waste are changing for Burnaby, B.C.
The city is introducing the Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion Bylaw, which mandates that at least 70 per cent of waste created as a result of building demolitions must be diverted from landfills.
City officials stated that once the bylaw comes into force in fall of this year, it will represent a major step in Burnaby’s efforts to meet Metro Vancouver’s regional goal of 80 per cent overall waste diversion.
“As materials from construction and demolition make up a third of Metro Vancouver’s solid waste, making improvements in the sector is an integral part of the City’s overall waste reduction strategy,” said the city. “More than half of the approximately 400,000 tonnes of demolition material which flows into Metro Vancouver landfills annually is recyclable, and diverting resources like wood, metal and concrete to recycling facilities is a vital step in reducing the greenhouse gases these materials emit when not disposed of correctly.”
Officials explained that the new bylaw will be introduced in phases, with multi-family and non-residential demolitions subject to the new regulations on October 1, 2022, and rules for single- and two-family buildings coming into force on March 1, 2023.
After these dates, demolitions will require a non-refundable application fee of $250, and a deposit of $2.25 per square foot of the building being demolished, with a maximum deposit cap of $50,000. The refund received will be calculated on the percentage of waste diverted to the proper recycling channels, with the entire deposit amount being refunded for demolitions which divert 70 per cent or more of their waste.
The funding will help groups like the Heiltsuk First Nation from Bella Bella. The Nation will use the funds for an essential road infrastructure project designed to increase access to the community by linking Bella Bella to the airport.
The project includes converting the existing road into a dedicated pedestrian and bike path and constructing 2 km of new road.
The Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation also received funding. The plan to gain greater food build two green houses, two walk-in freezers and a canning shed, which will support the community garden and sustainability program. Officials say these developments will help safeguard against the impact on food production caused by environmental threats.
In the Strathcona Regional District funds will be used to give residents better and safer access to Read Island through the reconstruction of a dock, boardwalk and community building.
Other communities across the province, including Cumberland, Salt Spring Island, Spallumcheen, and Sparwood will benefit from new or upgraded wastewater treatment facilities and drinking water systems, including the rehabilitation of an aging dam, construction of a new well and reservoir, and upgrades to sewage treatment facilities.
Key Takeaways:
UBC is looking to create one of the country’s largest residential passive house buildings.
Researchers will use the building to study passive house construction performance and then release the results.
The facility was designed by ZGF Architecture and built by Peak Construction Group.
Faculty and staff rental housing at University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus just leveled up.
Evolve, one of the country’s biggest residential buildings looking to achieve passive house certification, has welcomed its first residents. Passive house-certified buildings consume up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings.
The project was designed by ZGF Architecture and built by Peak Construction Group for UBC Properties Trust. It is managed by Village Gate Homes.
The 110-unit facility will serve as a faculty and staff rental building in UBC’s Wesbrook Place neighbourhood.
Solar panels soak up some sun on top of Evolve. – UBC
Evolve is looking to be one of the most energy-efficient multi-family residential buildings in Canada. The school stated that it will give researchers a unique opportunity to study the benefits and trade-offs of passive house construction, and share the results with the entire industry.
“This is a rarity in Canadian urban development – to have similar-sized mid-rise comparator buildings, constructed by the same developers, on the same grounds, with the same property manager, similar tenancy profiles, and the same investment in research infrastructure,” added Rysanek. “This is an incredible chance for us to evaluate the benefits and potential trade-offs between Passive House and typical construction in terms of tenant experience, costs and building systems data concerning air quality, noise, extreme heat tolerance, energy consumption and carbon emissions.”
Evolve’s passive house design elements include:
High performance windows – triple glazed “tilt and turn” windows that significantly increase natural ventilation rates over typical residential buildings in B.C.
High-efficiency mechanical system – heat recovery ventilation system continuously providing filtered air.
Thermal insulation – a thicker insulation and assembly was required to create a thermal barrier
Building envelope continuity – elimination of cold patches or drafts. The design and construction both account for less air leakage through the structure and the building envelope.
Mixed-mode cooling – ventilation air provided throughout the building is cooled via an energy-efficient heat pump, but sensors on operable windows and patio doors ensure maximum cool air is only supplied to residential suites when their windows are closed– the ventilation will reduce to a minimum but will not fully turn off.
Exterior shading – movable shades to limit heat and exposure of the sun.
Work on the six-storey, 103,000-square foot building began in 2020. Residents began moving in to studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom units in mid-August.
Key Takeaways:
Niverville, Taché, Hanover and Ritchot in Manitoba will benefit from the new facility.
The mechanical treatment facility will allow these cities to shift away from less efficient methods.
Project work includes installing roughly 90 kilometres of effluent pipeline.
The Whole Story:
Officials announced more than $39 million in funding will go towards the construction of a regional mechanical wastewater treatment facility and collection network to service four communities in southeastern Manitoba.
The Red-Seine-Rat (RSR) Wastewater Treatment Facility & Conveyance System will provide the municipalities of Niverville, Taché, Hanover and Ritchot with a new regional wastewater treatment facility to help keep up with current and future population demands.
The work will include the installation of a wastewater conveyance system with approximately 90 kilometres of effluent pipeline as well as new lift stations and pump stations.
Officials say the facility will increase the region’s capacity to treat and manage wastewater and stormwater, improve the environmental stewardship of the region and encourage economic growth.
They added that it will also result in greenhouse gas reductions as regional partners are able to move away from traditional wastewater lagoons to a new mechanical wastewater treatment facility.
Ottawa will contribute $21.6 million to the project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The province plans to invest over $18 million and the contribution from the proponent is more than $70.2 million.
“Manitoba is home to some of the largest freshwater bodies in the world, and today, we are acting on our collective responsibility to safeguard their health,” said Terry Duguid, minister of the environment and climate change. “By investing in this novel wastewater treatment infrastructure, we are creating better environmental, economic and social outcomes for all Manitobans. This project is another example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together.”
Key Takeaways:
Edmonton plans to build Canada’s largest solar array.
It’s expected to create up to $460,000 in savings each year.
The array is part of a larger, $98-million upgrade at the centre
The Whole Story:
The Edmonton Expo Centre will soon be home to the largest rooftop solar array in Canada. Phase 1 of the $5.03 million project will see 5,754 solar panels installed across 193,735.5 square feet.
“The City of Edmonton is committed to becoming an energy sustainable and climate resilient city,” said program manager Brad Watson. “This rooftop solar panel array will generate at least 2.8 gigawatts of energy annually, equal to that of about 375 homes.”
Based on the design energy models the array is anticipated to yield operational savings in the realm of $290,000 to $460,000 per year.
“Our new rooftop solar installation means that we will be producing our own renewable, clean solar energy right here on top of our building,” said Melissa Radu, director of social & environmental sustainability with Explore Edmonton. “It also acts as a reminder, to Edmontonians and visitors to our city, that Edmonton is a leader for innovative energy technologies in our country and that we are working hard to support a transition to a lower-carbon economy.”
Officials explained that while other buildings in the city have solar arrays or are having arrays built, the Edmonton EXPO Centre presented a unique opportunity to go bigger.
“The Edmonton EXPO Centre is a unicorn of sorts when it comes to rooftop solar panels,” said Watson. “Its size and dimensions, unobstructed sightlines and lack of interfering rooftop infrastructure allowed us to build an array of this size.”
City officials say the solar system is expected to last 25 years and will yield a payback between 10 to 17 years, considering energy prices and whether energy consumption aligns with generation.
If approved, phase 2 will see additional panels installed across Halls A through C, increasing the footprint of this project as well as significant cost savings. Phase 2 will add a production of approximately 1.9 gigawatts to the system and the estimated cost is roughly $3.4 million. Phase 2 would add an additional saving of about $185,000 to $300,000 per year.
Phase 1 is expected to wrap up in November.
This project is one of 11 solar projects currently underway in Edmonton. Six solar arrays in Edmonton are in operation.
This solar installation is part of a $98 million rehabilitation project at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. On top of the solar project, crews will upgrade seating in Hall D and updates to Entrance 6 on the north side of the building. Improvements are also being made to the building envelope, and mechanical and electrical systems, including major equipment replacements in the mechanical and electrical rooms. The Edmonton EXPO Centre will remain open during work.
The report highlights the initiatives that Minto has undertaken during the 2021 calendar year. It’s the company’s 13th annual report and 67th year as a business.
“As we put another pandemic year behind us and look optimistically toward the future, we continue to build on our ESG strategy and make progress in key areas like building our business resilience, impacting our communities, and reducing our environmental impact,” said Michael Waters, Minto Group CEO. “As a conscientious leader in our industry for over 67 years, we’re incredibly proud to be an ethically responsible, forward-thinking business with a clear path toward building a better tomorrow, today.”
A rendering shows the design of Minto Westside, a Minto project completed in 2020. – Minto Group
2020 marked a significant shift as Minto began developing a new ESG strategy. The company stated that in 2021 its team shifted focus to defining priorities so its ESG program could advance. This included clear performance targets, comprehensive reporting frameworks and strong governance.
The report highlighted the company’s inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Survey, a historic $25 million donation to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and reductions in the environmental impacts of buildings. This included offerent net-zero and net-zero ready options for homebuyers and geo-exchange community energy systems.
Some other environmental highlights included 7 per cent lower energy consumption from 2019 levels, 8 per cent lower carbon intensity from 2019 levels and 81.8 per cent construction waste diversion.
Key Takeaways:
By 2025, new buildings in Victoria, B.C. must be zero carbon.
This is part of larger plans to be completely on renewable energy by 2050.
The move would make it one of the first B.C. cities to have a zero carbon construction standard.
The Whole Story:
Starting in 2025 Victoria will require all new construction to be zero carbon. The city noted that the new goal is part is of its accelerated climate action plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent before 2050.
The requirement will come on the heels of the the BC Building Code carbon pollution standards that start this year.
The zero carbon standard is five years ahead of B.C.’s carbon requirements. The city stated that the new requirements are expected to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings. By 2050 the city plans to also switch over to 100 per cent renewable energy. The switch could trip up to 7 per cent of the total community emissions needed to reach those 2050 goals.
A chart from the Global Alliance For Buildings and Construction shows emissions from the built environment. – Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction
The city boasted that it is one of the first municipalities to establish a zero carbon polluting standard for construction and steer away from fossil fuels for water and space heating.
The requirements and schedule were set after an engagement process with the local building industry, co-led by the city of Victoria, the district of Saanich and the district of Central Saanich with support from the Capital Regional District (CRD). The engagement focused on how best to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new construction through the BC Energy Step Code and the forthcoming carbon pollution standards.
According to a report by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, buildings were responsible for 38 per cent of global carbon emissions in 2020. This was followed by the transportation industry, which contributed 23 per cent of emissions. The report accounted for emissions produced during construction as well as operation, including natural gas heating or coal-powered electricity.
