SAH-Assessing a zero emissions and net zero energy retrofit to Bethel Place, a seniors affordable housing complex in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - SAH
Sector Energy
Project value$270,300
Project Type Feasibility Study
Sub Sector Building – Existing – with Renewable energy
Grant amount$135,150
Program type GMF
Municipality City of Winnipeg, MB
Status In Progress
Population 749,607
Project timeline 2022 - 2024
Project number 18441

Description

Since successfully receiving an FCM planning grant (GMF17589) in 2021, Bethel Mennonite Care Services Inc. will pursue an energy retrofit study of Bethel Place, a 139-unit independent seniors apartment complex that provides affordable housing to the Corydon neighbourhood in Winnipeg.   
 
The 42-year-old building requires a significant upgrade to combat rising utility costs for electricity, natural gas and water. Review of zero emissions and net zero energy building modelling (“double zero”) will assess the ability to optimize energy efficiency and continue providing affordable seniors housing at or below 80% of the median market rent (MMR). Converting from natural gas to a geothermal ground source heat pump will eliminate current GHG emissions (530 tonnes of CO2e/year), as well as provide significant cost savings. In addition, reduction in water consumption and on-site electricity generation will help meet the goals of the double zero project and the Passive House standard.  
 
The SAH study will support Bethel Mennonite Care Services to consider and evaluate a Total Cost of Building Ownership (TCBO) analysis and their ability to access the technical expertise required for accurately judging the costs and benefits of multiple options in the short, medium, and long term.  
 
Innovative aspect(s): 
 
This project proposes to achieve the type of performance NZE and Zero emissions in the context of a building retrofit which largely exceeds the 25% energy consumption goal of the SAH program.
 
  • Bethel Place is trying to use the best current technology and best practices to reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption.  
  • The use of TCBO analysis will show the optimal cost-benefit combination for the future of the building and for the community.  
 
Replicability:  
 
If this project achieves its objectives in a cost-effective manner, it may serve as a leading example to other housing organizations in pursuit of the Passive Housing standard.  
 
 
(Project description from original funding application)

Applicant

Bethel Mennonite Care Services Inc., MB