McNab/Braeside’s New Township Office Targets Net-zero Energy Consumption

The Township of McNab/Braeside will construct a new net-zero energy Township Office to replace its existing administrative building. The current complex, built in 1965, is outdated, inaccessible and inefficient. This project aligns with the Township’s sustainability plans and policies, including its Asset Management Policy, Long-Term Building Plan and Energy Plan, which call for the municipality to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed 730-square-metre building will optimize energy performance through improved building envelope construction, a geothermal Heat Pump System, LED lighting with occupancy sensors, and design considerations for natural light and passive solar heating. The project also includes a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system to supply the building with electricity. The Township's actual energy consumption at the new office will be monitored and compared to both the old office as well as the baseline presented in the supporting Energy Model Report commissioned for this project. Furthermore, the solar panel installation will include online access to real-time monitoring to optimize equipment performance. The building’s design also takes water usage into consideration, with the installation of LEED-certified, low-flow plumbing fixtures and stormwater management measures (bioswales) around the building to remove silt and pollutants from runoff. The proposed building could generate annual energy savings of up to 127,208 equivalent kilowatt hours, a 67% reduction in energy consumption. This reduction in energy use combined with the renewable energy produced by the ground-mounted solar PV system would make this a net-zero building. The new building would also improve the overall quality and efficiency of municipal services by creating a more accessible and functional space and improving air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Economic benefits would include lower operating costs through improved efficiency. (Project description based on original funding application)