Durham Region's Water and Energy Efficient Community
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Energy
Project value$505,929
Project Type
Pilot Project
Sub Sector
Building – Existing – Energy efficiency
Grant amount$190,915
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Regional Municipality of Durham, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
696,992
Project timeline
2007 - 2011
Project number
7167
Description
In the first phase of the “Hamlet” development in the Town of Ajax, 100 homes were equipped with a water efficient package option (upgraded toilets, showerheads, ENERGY STAR: dishwashers, fridges and clothes washers and a xeriscape front garden) and 100 were equipped with ‘builder standard’ equipment. In this study, ten “study” and ten “control” homes will be sub-metered to prove the viability of using water efficient equipment as a water and sewer system planning tool to complement more traditional infrastructure planning approaches. The sub-meter and general monitoring intensity of this project is unprecedented and will provide clarity in measuring the difference between efficient fixtures and appliances versus the ‘builder standard’ equipment. This monitoring will break down water and energy use within the home by each fixture and appliance. Benefit/cost ratios will be calculated for each upgrade to determine payback and lifecycle savings, providing a clear business case for increasing the efficiency of all new homes. This approach to deferring water and sewer infrastructure expansions could prove especially useful in high growth urban areas where it could reduce the environmental and economic impact of the growth.
Applicant
Regional Municipality of Durham, ON