Retrofitting existing townhouses and building a new net-zero multi-unit building in Calgary

Building on a preliminary analysis of retrofitting options, the Sunnyhill Housing Co-operative will complete a secondary two-part study to optimize energy reduction across its housing portfolio. The first part of the study explores different energy-reduction measures on an existing 58–62 unit building in Calgary; the second part seeks to prepare an implementation strategy to guide the construction of a new 14–18 unit building. The number of units will vary based on the calculation of the environmental footprint and energy required to replace existing units.

The retrofit component of the study will establish the current energy baseline and complete a preliminary design and analysis for new cladding, roof, insulation, windows and doors. The aim is to increase energy efficiency by 40%. This part of the study will also look at increasing the energy-reduction target by an additional 10% through increased efficiency of the HVAC system as well as upgraded hot-water systems and heat pumps.

The new-build component of the study will determine the feasibility, both technical and financial, of building to a net-zero energy ready (NZER) standard. This portion will analyze the replacement of four to eight one-bedroom units and the construction of a set of six to ten additional similar-sized units. It will include an analysis of conventional energy-saving methods, such as an efficient building envelope and modern HVAC/domestic hot water options. This part of the study will also analyze the feasibility of moving away from natural gas and will look at the energy offset potential of solar photovoltaics.

Overall, the study will go beyond the basics of upgrading and building for energy efficiency by considering long-term economic, social and environmental suitability. An environmentally resilient site plan using permaculture methods, the consideration of additional market-based and accessible units, and the ongoing negotiation of the purchase of land from the City of Calgary are just a few examples of more creative approaches that will further support Sunnyhill’s sustainability goals.

The first phase of the study advances as Sunnyhill continues to work in close partnership with Urban Matters (consultant) and MoDA architects. Sunnyhill will use the results from this study to access additional CMHC and GMF funding.

Innovative aspects:

The new build capital project resulting from this study will be among the first co-operative housing projects to meet the NZER standard in Alberta.

Replicability:

The study will optimize time and resources by combining two different initiatives, a retrofit and a new build, into the same application. Recognizing that resources are limited in volunteer-run organizations, this initiative may encourage similar housing co-operatives across the province or country to bundle different projects in order to efficiently transition their housing developments to higher environmental standards.

Additionally, the applicant will share the lessons learned from this project through the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, the Southern Alberta Co-operative Housing Association, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Calgary and the media. Urban Matters (consultants) and MoDA architects will apply this new knowledge to future initiatives with other housing co-operatives, non-profits and affordable housing providers.

Affordability:

The study will focus on the following aspects of sustained affordability for tenants:

• Limiting retrofit costs to $100,000/unit and new construction to $235,000/unit to keep rents affordable
• Better managing rising energy costs with greater energy efficiency
• Maintaining low management costs through a co-operative, democratic structure
• Decreasing operating costs with new cladding, roof, insulation, windows and doors
• Decreasing landscape maintenance costs by opting for permaculture design principles
• Noting that the price for purchasing the leased land from the City of Calgary should be below market rate in order to be able to maintain additional affordable units built