Northumberland County NZER Feasibility Study in Cobourg

Northumberland County (pop. 90,437) is an amalgamation of seven municipalities near the shores of Lake Ontario. The Northumberland County Housing Corporation owns and manages 344 social housing units across 14 properties. This initiative will add 60 units to the Housing Corporation’s portfolio. This initiative will assess the feasibility of using several energy-efficient technologies to reach either a net zero energy or net zero energy ready standard. Efficiency technologies under consideration include a well-insulated and wrapped envelope, high efficiency heat pumps, and onsite photovoltaic arrays for water heating. The study will also assess aspects relevant to tenant health, comfort and safety, including the building’s ability to adapt to climate change. Northumberland will consider secondary environmental benefits such as recycled, non-toxic materials sourcing and onsite stormwater management through permeable pavement and strategic tree placement. Specific studies within this initiative include architectural, geotechnical, traffic, noise and vibration, heritage impact, and a forestry plan to relocate trees impacted by construction. This project features a partnership with two other community housing organizations who will participate in design and stakeholder engagement, and eventually operate some of the units. Innovative aspect(s): This project works to identify both an appropriate energy model and partnership structure allowing municipal and non-profit housing providers (including an urban Indigenous housing provider) to jointly design and manage an affordable housing facility. Replicability: Northumberland County has a large portfolio. The outcomes of this study could be beneficial for future new build or retrofit opportunities across the County’s housing developments. The partnership with diverse community organizations and significant stakeholder engagement are also models that will provide myriad social benefits to residents and in future project design. (Project description from original funding application)