Assessing the Feasibility of Constructing Three Net Zero Energy Firehalls in the Township of Langley
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Energy
Project value$356
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Building – New – with Renewable energy
Grant amount$175,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Township of Langley, BC
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
132,603
Project timeline
2022 - 2023
Project number
DFC-22-0035
Description
The Township of Langley will assess the feasibility of constructing three net zero energy firehalls. The Township is currently serviced by seven firehalls, three of which have been identified as requiring detailed study for eventual replacement to better accommodate growing community demand and the transition to a service delivery model that combines full-time, part-time and volunteer fire crews. Historically, fire services were primarily delivered by paid-on-call members. Additionally, due to their age, the three firehalls identified have not been designed to a post-disaster building code standard or designed with energy efficiency in mind. In 2021, the Township of Langley passed an ambitious Climate Action Strategy which set targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 45% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. This strategy is anchored by five ‘big moves’, one of which is that “all new buildings in the community will produce zero emissions by 2030.” Risks and uncertainties in meeting all design goals (post-disaster building standard, net zero energy and GHG emissions, and integration of residential units) drive the need for comprehensive feasibility studies. A team of qualified consultants will prepare the studies, which will include an environmental scan of the most recent firehalls constructed in Metro Vancouver, a needs assessment, conceptual design options, and identify opportunities to implement sustainable strategies and design principles (e.g., high efficiency building envelope, stormwater harvesting, daylighting strategies, climate resiliency, improved indoor air quality). The study will also look at cost-effectiveness for replacing each firehall at their existing locations, which would allow for reuse of structure and materials and avoid unnecessary greenfield development elsewhere. The work will be informed by staff and stakeholder consultations that respect the needs of the community while also servicing the functional and operational needs of the fire department. Ultimately, these new facilities will result in lower operation and maintenance costs, lower emissions and reduced emergency response times. Innovative aspect(s): The study will investigate a hybrid building model that incorporates affordable housing units within one of the three firehalls. Integrating supportive housing with a safety facility is a new model for consideration by the Township and would help meet the growing need for affordable housing. Neighbouring municipalities have constructed similar projects with success and the study will investigate those existing projects for potential replication in the Township. Replicability: The study will support the replication of net-zero design philosophy in public buildings, facility rebuilding and other new construction as the Township moves towards the energy reduction targets. The study will then move towards development which will provide information for local consultants, contractors, suppliers and trades to support similar projects. The lessons learned will be documented and have the potential to be applied in whole or in part for a wide range of municipalities in BC and in Canada. (Project Description from original funding application)
Applicant
Township of Langley, BC