Building a Net-Zero Library in Guelph’s Baker District Redevelopment

The Baker District Redevelopment project is a partnership between the City of Guelph and Windmill Development Group that will transform three acres of an existing parking lot in downtown Guelph into a unique mixed-use development. This study will focus on the feasibility of constructing a net-zero energy library within the zero-carbon Baker District.

A parametric energy modelling exercise will look at passive and active design strategies, renewable energy generation, and connection to the city’s existing district energy system and mechanical systems for load-sharing across the site. The study will also explore the impacts of open- or closed-loop geothermal systems on groundwater quality to ensure that the library’s energy system does not adversely affect the city’s municipal water supply. A business case report will outline capital costs, utility costs and escalation rates, operational costs, carbon taxes, on- and off-site renewable energy, and lifecycle return on investment. Finally, key stakeholders will be consulted to ensure that the study is in line with municipal and design priorities.

The study is directly linked to the district’s GMF-funded Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (GMF #16546), the Downtown Secondary Plan, the Community Energy Initiative, and the Corporate Energy Management Plan.

Innovative aspect(s):

Despite the broad and growing discussion regarding net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs), they are still relatively uncommon. Only a handful of commercial and institutional NZEBs have been completed in Canada. This project’s targeting of district-wide net-zero carbon development is particularly innovative, as it will allow for area-wide trade-offs on environmental targets.

Replicability:

The findings of this study will be replicable in other municipalities with net-zero carbon targets, including the cities of Toronto, London and Ottawa. In particular, the study will provide lessons learned in terms of installing geothermal loops in areas with municipal groundwater supplies.