The Town of Essex was seeking recommendations for the incorporation of low carbon and energy efficient options in the design of their new sports complex outbuilding. They required an expert to identify design options to minimize Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and enhance energy efficiency, provide preliminary cost estimates and projected payback periods and conduct a comparative analysis for proposed energy source alternatives versus a natural gas connection.
The development will support the needs of the Essex Sports Park including a canteen, locker rooms, storage rooms, washrooms, and a mechanical room.
To implement the plan, the Town of Essex engaged a climate and infrastructure expert at no cost through the CRIS to conduct a design options analysis for the proposed canteen and washrooms building located at Essex Sports Park. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the proposed building’s energy and GHG performance using various design options in comparison to a traditional building with a natural gas system.
The following two design options were developed that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the energy efficiency of the facility:
- Most Impactful Energy Efficiency Solution: Proposes a packaged air handling unit with air-source heat pump (ASHP) system providing space heating and cooling.
- Passive Design Solution: Proposes a packaged air handling unit with electric resistance heating and DX cooling in conjunction with a focus on high-performing building envelope and passive design.
The expert analysis compared the proposed building’s performance against a traditional natural gas system and identified viable low carbon pathways.
The options give the Town clear, cost informed choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operating costs, and build a more resilient community facility — all while supporting local recreation needs.
"The CRIS project helped my municipality by giving us some different options and cost estimates for implementation of a outdoor sports facility building. The project looked at the best options for, in this case, a three season facility which included washrooms, change rooms, a canteen and storage building, and what options could be done to be economically responsible during the plan design stage.", shared Jake Morassut, Director of Community Services.
This is a great example of how smaller communities can access technical expertise, make climate-informed decisions, and design infrastructure that’s both modern and future ready.
