Energy efficiency upgrades to come at City facilities as part of broader climate retrofit program
At an event hosted at the Ottawa Public Library’s (OPL) Carlingwood branch, the City announced today that several facilities will receive retrofit upgrades this fall.
Since 2023, the City has invested between $3.5 to $4 million annually in efficiency upgrades, leveraging internal capital and external incentives. These retrofits have helped reduce emissions by approximately 1,200 tonnes of C02 a year and cut operating costs by $300,000 annually.
OPL’s Carlingwood branch is the latest facility to be receiving upgrades, aimed to help improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs and offset greenhouse gas emissions produced by the City. Once complete, the retrofits are expected to reduce emissions by 31 tonnes of C02 annually. Planned retrofits at the branch include: converting the whole building to LED lighting and replacing the existing boiler with four hybrid heat pump units, installed on the rooftop and in the basement.
Other upcoming and ongoing retrofits across the city include:
Installing rooftop solar panels at City Hall, Charles Sim Municipal Workshop Complex and Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans
Replacement of a natural gas fired dehumidification unit at Cardel Recreation Centre with a new, electric desiccant dehumidifier. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27 tonnes of C02 annually.
Upgrading the soon-to-be obsolete Building Automation System at Carleton Lodge Long-Term Care Facility with a new digital system that will allow the building to be controlled with more efficiency, reducing C02 emissions by 81 tonnes annually
Replacing windows at Fire Station 23 with LiteZone windows, reducing C02 emissions by 12 tonnes annually
“Libraries are among the most important community spaces we have,” said Councillor Matthew Luloff, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board. “They are places where residents of all ages can learn, connect, explore new ideas, and unlock their potential. Investing in our branches is an investment in literacy, lifelong learning, and the future of our communities.”