Building efficiency retrofit programs have been successfully undertaken by a number of local governments in BC. Unlike most local government capital projects, energy efficiency upgrades for buildings provide an economic return through energy savings. They can therefore be viewed as investments opportunities, rather than simply expenditures.

A civic building energy retrofit can:

• Reduce energy consumption and associated utility costs of the existing building portfolio
• Be cost-neutral
• Reduce emissions resulting from existing buildings, improving the carbon neutral status of local government operations
• Improve working conditions and productivity for employees

Community Examples

• Village of Granisle: [1] Retrofitted Fire-Hall with  biomass-energy boiler as the primary heating source. Extensive re-insulating of the roof and installation of energy efficient windows, doors, and weather stripping
• Village of Sayward: [2] A Green Energy Upgrade/Rehabilitation of the Kelsey Recreation Centre; HVAC system upgrade reduced propane fuel consumption by 22.34% in 12 months
• Courtenay and District Memorial Pool [3] (described on page 14 of Annual Report) the pool was outfitted with a solar heating system in 2011. The system warms the water used in the outdoor pool.
• Village of Burns Lake [4] biomass heating for Tom Forsythe Memorial Arena
• More examples are described under the 'HOW' tab

 [Use the tab above to learn HOW to reduce emissions with this tool.]