Green Infrastructure and Funding
September 8
The new building will integrate a sustainable design approach including:
No on-site fossil fuel consumption for the building facility
Geo-thermal energy in combination with electrical energy as the major energy sources
Geo-exchange heat pumps for space heating and domestic hot water
Heat recovery on all exhaust air systems
A high-performance building envelope including highly insulated enclosure assembly, with triple glazing in thermally broken frames, increased insulation, minimal air leakage and without thermal bridging
Extensive use of natural light for interior lighting through passive means, and daylight sensing controls for artificial light
LED based lighting to minimize electrical consumption
Reduced water consumption fixtures.
Mass timber structural system which will reduce embodied carbon
Material choices and selections to reduce embodied carbon including local materials where appropriate to reduce transportation emissions
Photo-voltaic panels installed on roof will provide additional onsite energy
The project will meet the CaGBC ZCB-Design requirements, for the maximum annual thermal energy demand intensity(TEDI) for Kitchener, in order to achieve a Net-Zero-Carbon Design certification.
We have applied to the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program (CICBP) to help offset the extra costs that will result in a net-zero-carbon building. We hope to hear from this fund in the coming months.