Net Zero Feasibility Study: New Township Municipal Office and Site

The Township of McNab/Braeside will conduct a study to assess the technical and financial feasibility of constructing a new energy efficient 7,850 sq. ft. municipal building. An initial design for the building has been completed and includes energy efficient fixtures, an examination of passive solar energy and the inclusion of a geothermal energy system. The scope of work will be to develop design options elevating the original design’s energy efficiency to net zero standards, including the addition of renewable energy generation. An additional work package to include a neighbouring recreational facility in the study will also be considered and is included in the budget of this initiative. The Township will take a triple bottom line approach to evaluate options ensuring the following objectives are met: • Environmental Objective: To reduce greenhouse gases through the use of renewable energy sources to meet the annual and long term energy requirements of the building(s). At a minimum, solar and biomass will be considered. • Economic Objective: To improve the operating performance of municipal building(s) and reduce operating costs over the life-cycle of the building(s), ultimately reducing the tax rate and saving taxpayers money. • Social Objective: To be a sustainable development leader to the community by demonstrating the merits of renewable energy as a means of reducing energy costs and minimizing GHG emissions. To demonstrate to other communities that the payback on investments in renewable energy provide municipalities with returns on investment that meet municipal financial planning objectives and provide long term cost predictability. The project is informed by the Township’s Official Plan’s goals related to energy conservation, renewable and alternative energy systems, and sustainable development. The results of the project are expected to be integrated into the development of an updated 10-year Asset Management Plan (2018). The initiative will be governed by two cross-departmental groups; the Township Building Committee and the Green Energy Committee. The Township of McNab/Braeside is committed to sharing project results with their regional counterparts through their participation in the Rural Mayors Forum of Eastern Ontario, the Renfrew County Clerks and Treasurers Association, and the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. Public consultation was conducted as a part of the initial design phase. (Project description from original funding application)