A Study for Petit-Rocher’s Net Zero Energy Complex

This application by the Municipality of Petit-Rocher is to study the feasibility of building a net zero energy (NZE) complex based on major renovations to be made to the downtown arena. Dating from 1976, the current facilities are degraded and some systems and facilities are obsolete, such that the arena no longer meets current standards. The Study for Petit-Rocher’s Net Zero Complex would allow the municipality and community to study the feasibility of building infrastructure to consolidate energy efficiency, using the various technological options available to them. The project has three main components. A team of consultants will assess renovation options for upgrading the arena. Depending on their findings, the goal will be to achieve net zero energy performance or undertake energy efficiency improvements to reduce energy consumption by at least 30 per cent compared to current consumption. Secondly, Petit-Rocher will study the possibility of recovering waste heat from the rink refrigeration systems to assess the feasibility of building a community energy system that would distribute the unused energy to adjacent buildings, including a new net zero building. The last component will be devoted to evaluating design options for a new net zero building which will either be a library or a sport centre. First, Petit-Rocher will organize a charrette with local stakeholders and technical experts to discuss the concept of Petit-Rocher’s Net Zero Complex, identify the needs, discuss ideas and select which technical options will be assessed thoroughly. During the second phase, various energy efficiency measures and renewable energy production approaches will be assessed, and technical solutions that ensure optimal integration of the materials used will be identified, while respecting the requirements of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011 (NECB 2011). Three feasibility studies, one for each component, will be produced during that phase and will include energy modeling as well as cost estimates. Then, the community and local stakeholders will be consulted and involved in a public consultation to gather comments and suggestions about the options chosen. Once the project is fully presented and accepted by the Town Council, the team will develop the plans and project specifications for the arena, the heat recovery and distribution network, and the new net zero building. Environmental, social, and economic benefits will result from the project: lower energy consumption for municipal buildings, lower operating or maintenance costs for certain facilities, less urban sprawl, community revitalization, and greater public awareness of environmental issues. This project offers a rare opportunity for Petit-Rocher to invest in profit-making projects that will have a positive impact over several generations. The project’s knowledge value lies in the creation of a net zero energy complex in a small rural community in New Brunswick. Such a complex project is more difficult to achieve in areas with limited human and financial resources. Lessons learned from this project will be useful and inspiring to many small Canadian communities. This project will also serve as model for the Climate Change Agenda of the Association Francophone des Municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick (AFMNB), with its strategy of recommending and supporting the implementation of development projects in its member municipalities and communities. (Project description from original funding application)