Qualicum Beach’s Energy Efficient New Fire Hall
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector
Energy
Project value$7,025,242
Project Type
Capital Project
Sub Sector
Building – New – Energy efficiency
Grant amount$464,467
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Town of Qualicum Beach, BC
Loan amount$4,644,672
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
9,303
Project timeline
2013 - 2014
Project number
13091
Description
The Town of Qualicum Beach will build a new, energy efficient fire hall which will include solar thermal panels to pre-heat domestic water, in floor radiant heating throughout the building, solar photovoltaic panels, LED lighting and a heat recovery ventilation system to increase the building's overall performance without compromising operational functionality. The project energy modelling estimates that the fire hall will achieve 72.1% improved energy efficiency compared to Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (MNECB 1997). The design also includes a goal of exceeding LEED requirements for water conservation and the inclusion of onsite timber harvested from the project site in the interior design. Rather than adopting an existing green building standard, the town has focused the design team on energy efficiency as the primary green building strategy for this project. Key to the success of this goal is incorporating the heat exchange system already used in the adjacent Berwick well pump station. The concept of expanding the heat exchange system was explored through the Jones Street District Energy System Feasibility Study, which was funded by the GMF in 2012. The Town will follow all federal commissioning guidelines for buildings. (Project description from original funding application)
Project results
- 46 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided
- 2059 GJ of energy savings per year
Environmental outcomes
- Reduced energy use
- Renewable energy generation
- Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
- Use of sustainable practices
Social outcomes
- Increased public safety and security
- Increased staff health and safety
- Improved service delivery and/or level or service
- Greater civic pride and ownership
- Increased opportunities for community engagement
- Improved public education or awareness
- Community revitalization
- Increased civic engagement in community issues
Economic outcomes
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Increased service life
- Use of feasibility tools
- Partnership development
Lessons learned
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Council support/buy-in
- Communication & coordination
- Resources
- External factors
- Technical – Project specific
Applicant
Town of Qualicum Beach, BC