A new LEED Silver firehall for full-time firefighters in Buckingham
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector
Energy
Project value$6,499,475
Project Type
Capital Project
Sub Sector
Building – New – Energy efficiency
Grant amount$400,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Ville de Gatineau, QC
Loan amount$4,000,000
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
291,041
Project timeline
2010 - 2011
Project number
10330
Description
In order to ensure the safety of its population and meet its new fire risk coverage plan, the City of Gatineau will build a new fire station with LEED Silver certification in accordance with its sustainable development commitment.
Covering an area of 1,500 square metres (m2), the building will be occupied 24/7 and will notably include a garage, shops and living quarters for firemen on duty. Based on initial energy simulations, annual savings of 1,018,426 MJ should be achieved, or 62,55 per cent as compared to the consumption in a standard building, thanks in part to the use of geothermy as a main source of energy, the installation of high performance energy equipment, heat recovery systems, a solar wall and energy-saving lighting.
Withholding payment will motivate the contracting firm to obtain the LEED points for which it is responsible, including recycling of materials, air quality control, and site cleanliness during the project.
Experience acquired during the construction of another LEED fire station inaugurated by Gatineau in May 2009 will be put into application for this project and the City fully expects to use this project to improve subsequent ones.
(Project description from original funding application)
Project results
- 9 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided
- 1167 GJ of energy savings per year
- 0 cubic metres of water saved per year
Environmental outcomes
- Reduced energy use
- Renewable energy generation
- Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
- Improved stormwater management
- Avoided soil erosion
- Use of sustainable practices
- Decreased heat island effect
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reduced light pollution
Social outcomes
- Increased public safety and security
- Increased staff health and safety
- Improved service delivery and/or level or service
- Improved availability and accessibility of information
- Greater civic pride and ownership
Economic outcomes
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Local spending/consumption
Lessons learned
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Council support/buy-in
- Communication & coordination
- Data and reporting
- Resources
Applicant
Ville de Gatineau, QC