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Whistler Public Library

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Energy
Project value$9,660,000
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector Building – New – Energy efficiency
Grant amount$563,000
Program type GMF
Municipality Resort Municipality of Whistler, BC
Loan amount$3,539,000
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 13,982
Project timeline 2011 - 2014
Project number 9183

Description

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is constructing a new 1,335 sq. m. single storey public library building with one floor of underground parking in the heart of the Village on a former surface parking lot. The project’s overall planning, design and construction philosophy is guided by the RMOW’s international award winning overarching guiding document “Whistler 2020: Moving Towards a Sustainable Future” and Council’s commitment to a minimum Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status building, as administered by the Canadian Green Building Council. Through use of an integrated design process and careful project management, value engineering and decision-making, the project is now on target to achieve Gold LEED status. The project’s main energy efficient features include: a high performance building envelope, a closed loop ground source heat pump system, a high efficiency condensing boiler, a variable air volume system, variable speed drives on fan motors, under floor air distribution, heated floors, direct digital controls, daylight harvesting, continuous dimming daylight sensors and controls, energy efficient light fixtures and bulbs, and living (green) roof technology. The expected energy savings relative to the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings is 63 per cent or 367,500 kWh. This would result in a reduction in GHG emissions of approximately 40 per cent.

Project results

  • 53 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided
  • 1239 GJ of energy savings per year

Environmental outcomes

  • Reduced energy use
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
  • Reduced water consumption
  • Improved stormwater management
  • Promotion of eco-friendly transportation
  • Use of sustainable practices
  • Decreased heat island effect
  • Improved indoor air quality

Social outcomes

  • Increased staff health and safety
  • Increased opportunities for recreational activities
  • Improved service delivery and/or level or service
  • Improved availability and accessibility of information
  • Increased opportunities for community engagement
  • Increased social inclusion
  • Community revitalization
  • Development of local programs

Economic outcomes

  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Increased tourism
  • Capacity building or human capital development

Lessons learned

  • Project planning and parameters
  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Communication & coordination
  • Data and reporting
  • Resources
  • External factors
  • Technical – Project specific

Applicant

Resort Municipality of Whistler, BC