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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRPS-06-039 - Environmental Comm Recommendation: Integrated Geothermal Energy SystemsReport To: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Chair and Members of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee Date of Meeting: March 6, 2006 Submitted By: Environmental Committee Prepared By: Colin Goodeve, Committee Administrator -ext. 2278 Ward(s) Involved: All Date of Report: February 24, 2006 Report No.: CRPS-06-039 Subject: Environmental Committee Recommendation: Integrated Geothermal Energy Systems RECOMMENDATION: That the use of energy efficient designs and technologies, such as an integrated geothermal heating and cooling system, be endorsed; and further, That staff be directed to present to a future meeting of the Environmental Committee information regarding the applicability of incorporating integrated geothermal heating and cooling systems for future City initiated construction projects. BACKGROUND: At the February 23, 2006 Environmental Committee meeting, Messrs. Jim Bolger, Next Energy Geothermal Solutions, and Roger Taliotis, Ice Kube Systems, gave a presentation outlining the potential benefits of incorporating an integrated geothermal heating and cooling system into the designs of future community centres and ice rinks. Mr. Bolger advised that the application of an integrated geothermal energy system could reduce a community centre/ice rink's CO2 emissions by 50% and overall energy consumption by 55%. Mr. Bolger noted that an integrated geothermal system used for heating, cooling and ice rink refrigeration could produce an additional 7 units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy purchased. In addition, the implementation of a geothermal energy system can account for 23 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits towards certification, with basic certification only requiring 26 credits. Mr. Bolger noted that on average installation costs payback for an integrated geothermal system is 1.4 years. Please see www.nextenerq .ca and www.lcekubesystems.com for further information regarding this technology. ...12 REPORT: The Environmental Committee supports the use of this technology by the City, given the potential environmental benefits that an integrated geothermal energy system represents. Accordingly, the Committee requests that Council endorse the recommendation as noted above. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None at this time. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator