Summit Pointe is a multi-family development in the Sahali neighbourhood of Kamloops, BC. Designed to attract semiretired and retired homebuyers, Summit Pointe is a development that will allow local people to downsize, while still living in the neighbourhood they love.
Built by certified Built Green ™ developer Homex, Summit Pointe proudly boasts the status of Built Green Gold; featuring energy-efficient appliances, well-sealed windows and seams, and recycled building materials. This innovative and environmentally friendly development was recognized in multiple categories at the 2010 Keystone Awards and the 2010 Built Green™ BC Awards.
Seeking comfort
Knowing the energy solution for Summit Pointe had to live up to its reputation, Homex knew they had a tall order to fill.
They wanted to continue to be innovative in their choices; to do the right thing for the environment and find a solution which would resonate with their target audience of semi-retired and retired homebuyers — providing long-term satisfaction at minimized operating costs. They wanted a system that would be protected from volatile energy prices, that could handle the seasonal temperature fluctuations of Kamloops, and could easily be carried over to future phases of Summit Pointe.
The system needed to be economical to operate and maintain in the long run to ensure that Homex maintained their reputation of leaving a positive legacy to the strata. As such, they didn’t want to invest in and care for the systems themselves, due to a lack of experience and concern over warranty issues.
The team at Homex selected FortisBC as their energy solutions provider, to ensure all of their complex needs were met with integrity and commitment. They wanted to work with an energy provider who was reputable and well-known, and who had experience in developing the selected energy system. In short — Homex wanted long-term confidence and peace of mind.
The perfect fit
By genuinely listening to each of their concerns, FortisBC was able to develop a trusting relationship with Homex and put them at ease. FortisBC recommended a geoexchange solution with individual heat pumps for each unit.
The results are in — and they are excellent. Homeowners are extremely happy with the quality and comfort provided by the system, and can rest easy with stable long-term operating costs and a degree of insulation from volatile energy prices. Individual heat pumps in each unit allow homeowners to adjust their heating and cooling needs whenever they like, and take comfort in the fact that they are only paying for the energy they use. As for the developer’s needs, they were met by a long-term operating agreement developed by FortisBC in conjunction with mechanical consultants. Homex has the assurance of knowing that FortisBC installed a high-quality system that they will continue to maintain in the long-term.
FortisBC’s experience working with integrated energy systems gives the developer and the homeowners the confidence they need to feel comfortable with Summit Pointe’s innovative new geoexchange system.
The FortisBC advantage
What if you could build a state-of-the-art energy system into your next development—without having to carry the cost and the risk? With FortisBC, you can. We used to be Terasen Gas, “the gas company.” Now, as FortisBC, we’re “the district energy system, geoexchange, combined heat and power, electrical generation/ distribution, biomass, biogas and natural gas company.”
We don’t just design the energy component, we cover up to 100 per cent of the development cost. When you work with FortisBC, we have a stake in the outcome.
And you have more in your budget for the features and capabilities your customers want. You benefit from industry leaders and energy experts with practical, real-world experience. As well as sharing the load, we help you shape your energy strategy, with knowledge that could help you meet the new provincial greenhouse gas emissions targets and take advantage of available government incentives.
Interested in learning more?