Ontario Construction News staff writer
Over $15.7 million has been announced by the federal government for deep energy retrofits at the Susan Fennell Sportsplex in Brampton.
“Thank you to our partners at the Government of Canada for their investment in energy-efficient upgrades for Susan Fennell Sportsplex. Brampton is a Green City, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and being a leader in sustainability,” said Mayor Patrick Brown.
“This investment will help us reduce fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide our residents with a modern and energy efficient facility where they can enjoy our great recreational programs and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.”
Upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the energy efficiency of the Sportplex, including improvements to the facility’s refrigeration plants, HVAC systems, building automation system and lighting.
Work will also include the installation of a battery energy storage system to offset electricity costs, and a geothermal system to heat and cool the facility using the earth as a medium of heat transfer. These retrofits will reduce natural gas consumption and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to transform this facility to a net zero facility.
A portion of the facility is currently closed to the public for construction to revitalize the aging infrastructure.
The city selected Susan Fennell Sportsplex for the Zero Carbon retrofit because the recreation centre releases approximately 1,135 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, which is the equivalent to GHG emissions produced by approximately 240 cars.
“This funding will move us closer towards our goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated in Brampton by 80 per cent by 2050,” said Councillor Doug Whillans. “Through meaningful investments like this, we can continue to build a healthier, more sustainable community.”