Whistler Village District Energy System — Feasibility Assessment

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a district energy system to serve Whistler Village. As a member of Partners for Climate Protection since 1997, the proposed district energy system is one of a number of initiatives that Whistler has undertaken or plans to implement to reduce its community greenhouse gas footprint by 33 per cent before 2020 compared to 2008 levels. The viability of district energy is related to energy density, scale and rate of development, and the availability of low-cost energy sources. This study will include a quantitative and qualitative triple-bottom-line analysis of the proposed district energy system at build-out. Working with a qualified engineering firm, the RMOW will evaluate the feasibility of a district energy solution for the Whistler Village area that would reduce both energy consumption (natural gas and electricity) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to space and hot water consumption. With support from BC Hydro, the study will also assess the energy density and leveled energy costs of renewable energy alternatives associated with a potential district energy-based retrofit. There are two municipal buildings, the Municipal Hall and the Public Safety Building, located within the study area. The proposed district energy system will support a number of Whistler’s key objectives identified in its Official Community Plan, its Community Energy Plan and the Whistler 2020 integrated community sustainability plan. Whistler has a special dependence on stable snow and weather patterns, making the community well aware of its shared responsibility to manage GHG emissions. This study could also serve as a model for other municipalities wishing to integrate a district energy system within an existing high-density neighbourhood. (Project description from original funding application)