INNOVATION November-December 2016

f ea t u r e s

Chiller Goes Up, Emissions Go Down at Vancity HQ

GADGETS AND FABRICS GO HIGH TECH Project Proves Heat Recovery Systems Work with Older Buildings, Too

The pressure is on for developers of new mid- and high-rise buildings in Vancouver. By the end of 2016, the city plans to reduce the allowable amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by new buildings by 90 percent. By 2030, Vancouver wants all new buildings to be net-zero emitters (See story, page 20). So far, this latest plan does not include more aggressive emissions targets for existing buildings. It seems the city is sticking by its current requirements

for standing towers to reduce emissions by just 20 percent over 2007 levels by 2020. But what if Vancouver changes its mind? What if, for example, the city decides to match the call from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for an overall 80 percent greenhouse gas reduction by 2050 from all types of buildings? Is it possible to achieve that kind of target through a retrofit? …At a cost that makes good business sense?

Robin J. Miller

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