Canadian military base taps Ameresco for energy efficiency upgrades

National Defence Minister Bill Blair, and Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Minister Randy Boissonnault at a press conference in Edmonton on March 4, 2024. Image courtesy Business Wire

Cleantech integrator Ameresco has announced a contract to design, engineer and implement energy upgrades across 124 buildings covering 4.6 million square feet at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Edmonton, Canada.

The energy conservation measures include the installation of LED lighting, boiler plant and heating system upgrades, converting fuel sources from natural gas to electric heat pump systems, upgrading electrical distribution systems and installing a geothermal ground source heat pump system.

In addition, the project will replace natural gas clothes dryers with ventless heat pump dryers, install water conservation measures and upgrade building envelopes to be more energy efficient.

According to Ameresco, the energy upgrades are designed to save over $2 million in energy costs per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 27%.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the project is expected to create 125 new jobs in the Edmonton area over the next two years.

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Ameresco undertook a comprehensive project evaluation in 2022, which included the completion of audits, the development of energy-saving measures and a subsequent feasibility study.

This multi-phased project is currently in the design stage, which is anticipated to extend through the remainder of the year and into early 2025.

To initiate project implementation, fast-tracked measures will involve the simultaneous replacement of 10 boilers across 5 buildings and initiating LED lighting upgrades in 110 buildings this summer.

With multiple initiatives underway, the project’s full completion is expected by the end of 2026.

“CFB Edmonton houses some of the most prestigious and experienced units in the Canadian armed forces,” said Bob McCullough, president of Ameresco Canada.

“The enhancements to the lighting, heating, cooling and water systems will provide troops with a more modern, comfortable and efficient energy system while greatly benefiting the surrounding community through their lowering of carbon emissions.”