Feasibility study for improving energy performance of three municipal buildings in Clermont

With the objective of completely eliminating oil heating systems in its municipal buildings, the City of Clermont plans to study the technical, environmental and financial feasibility of replacing the energy systems in three buildings in downtown Clermont, namely the city hall, fire hall and sports chalet. The City is interested in switching to an energy system that would lower its greenhouse gas emissions. The study, which is intended to determine the exact percent reduction in energy consumption that can be achieved, will enable the City to select the best system. Clermont is seeking a 30% reduction in energy consumption, but believes a much greater reduction is feasible with a geoexchange system. A completed preliminary analysis favoured a geoexchange system, given the type of soil in the region and the close proximity of the buildings, among other factors. Because the buildings are close together, Clermont could use the same wells for the three buildings with three separate mechanical systems. The feasibility study will include two separate sets of recommendations: the heating system and its features; and energy efficiency measures that could be implemented in the three buildings to achieve the best possible results. Note that the City of Clermont has already implemented energy efficiency measures, including insulating the sports chalet and replacing the lighting fixtures at the city hall. This initiative will ultimately lower building operating costs, resulting in annual savings of $25,000, or about 1% of the municipal annual budget. Also, given that Clermont is a one-industry town in a cottage country region, this innovative project has the potential of increasing the city’s appeal for tourists and residents alike. This project is innovative because very few buildings in the region use anything other than oil heating systems. It could therefore showcase the energy saving option educating the local population and raise awareness to energy use reduction. In addition, once the new system is operational, Clermont would share its knowledge with other municipalities interested in this type of initiative and would be willing to give them tours of the facilities. (Project description from original funding application)