Facilities Management, October 21, 2004
Concordia University receives a subsidy for the energy-efficient design of the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex
Natural Resources Canada’s Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) offers a financial incentive for the incorporation of energy efficiency features in new commercial and institutional building designs. The objective of this incentive is to encourage energy-efficient design practices and to bring about lasting changes in the Canadian building design and construction industry. Therefore, building owners and developers can seize the opportunity to save money while they help Canada meet its international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
An eligible building design must demonstrate a reduction in energy use by at least 25% when compared to the requirements of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB). Energy-efficient buildings yield long-term energy savings. This incentive allows developers to become familiar with energy-efficient practices, and helps energy design strategy decisions.
Concordia is the first and presently sole university in Quebec that has met the program requirements. Only seven other universities in Canada have received such an honor. By participating to this program, and in recognition for its efforts towards an energy-efficient design, Concordia University has received a subsidy of $80,000 for the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex at the Loyola Campus. For the first operating year, an actual energy saving of 48% has comfortably surpassed the minimum required of a 25% energy reduction above the MNECB standard efficiency.
Favored by an avant-garde design, the building’s ventilation system provides occupants with more fresh air than is required by recognized industry standards. The principal energy efficiency measures that have allowed such results to be accomplished are: efficient lighting, variable air volume ventilation and pumping systems, occupancy sensors, and extensive heat recovery provisions on exhaust air manifolds, chillers, boilers, and electrical rooms.
The University is proud to have participated in this important program from Natural Resources Canada, and takes the opportunity to thank all those who have been involved in the realization of this project.
