Demonstrating a Scalable, Low-carbon Deep Retrofit for High-Rise
Strategic Area
Energy Efficient Buildings and Communities
Status
Completed
Fund
Green Infrastructure
Year
2021
GI Contribution
$ 217,500
Project Total
$ 435,000
Location
Burnaby, B.C.
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Lead Proponent
QuadReal Property Group
Project Background
The objective of this project was to conduct a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) Study of a deep energy retrofit of a two-tower, 215,000 square foot multi-unit high-rise residential building located in Burnaby, British Columbia. The project anticipates achieving a minimum 50% reduction in energy use intensity through the integration of multiple technologies that are innovative for the high-rise multi-unit residential market and have a high potential for replicability at other properties. Additionally, the project is targeting an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by significantly reducing the on-site combustion of fossil fuels using in-suite air-source heat pumps, which also will enhance thermal comfort and control for residents.
Results
The outcomes of the FEED study showed that the deep energy retrofit measures proposed for the site would achieve a 51% reduction in energy use and a 69% reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed measures included double glazed windows, replacing hydronic baseboards with heat pumps and in-suite HRVs, upgrading light fixtures to LED, high efficiency appliances, low flow water fixtures, and installing smart thermostats.
Figure 1 - Arbour Place is a two tower multi-unit residential building located in Burnaby, BC. Both towers are BOMA BEST Silver certified and consist of a total of 255 units ranging from studio to 3 bedroom units.
Benefits to Canada
Investing in deep retrofits align with the Canada Green Buildings Strategy and will create new jobs aligned with Canada’s net-zero future. Energy retrofit programs provide widespread economic benefits to Canadians.
The knowledge developed through this project will build market confidence in low-carbon, deep retrofits enabling QuadReal and other owners and managers of Multi-unit Residential Building (MURB) assets to scale-up investment and action in reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
Next Steps
QuadReal decided not to proceed with the demonstration phase of the project, however, the results of the study led to the implementation of other similar fuel switching and energy efficiency opportunities at residential properties across their portfolio.
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