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Niagara Region's 1st Social Housing LEED Building

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Energy
Project value$9,703,002
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector Building – New – Energy efficiency
Grant amount$109,090
Program type GMF
Municipality Regional Municipality of Niagara, ON
Loan amount$1,090,910
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 477,941
Project timeline 2011 - 2014
Project number 12102

Description

To reduce the carbon footprint of community services, address social needs and generate cost savings, Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) partnered with the Regional Municipality of Niagara to build a new, energy-efficient (LEED Silver) social housing building for seniors. The 67-unit structure incorporates geothermal heating and cooling, as well as energy efficiency and water conservation measures. The building is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification. This project is an excellent demonstration of how municipalities and their partners can address the challenge of a growing need in social housing for seniors, while meeting their environmental goals, illustrated in this case by a 51 per cent energy reduction. Through GMF case studies and other learning vehicles, all municipalities can learn and replicate Niagara’s achievements. (As per April 22, 2016 announcement)

Project results

  • 44 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided
  • 1467 GJ of energy savings per year

Environmental outcomes

  • Reduced energy use
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
  • Reduced water consumption
  • Access to public and alternative transportation
  • Promotion of eco-friendly transportation
  • Urban sprawl management
  • Minimal environmental impact
  • Improved indoor air quality

Social outcomes

  • Protection/improvement of public human health
  • Improved service delivery and/or level or service
  • Increased opportunities for community engagement
  • Increased social inclusion
  • Increased civic engagement in community issues

Economic outcomes

  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Innovative financing
  • Increased job creation or retention
  • Use of feasibility tools
  • Improved demand management

Lessons learned

  • Project planning and parameters
  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Communication & coordination
  • Data and reporting
  • Resources
  • External factors
  • Technical – Project specific

Applicant

Niagara Regional Housing, ON