PowerSense Conservation Awards 2009 > Okanagan Conservation Award Winners Okanagan Conservation Award WinnersThese organizations in the Okanagan did everything from improving lighting to upgrading heavy equipment to reach savings of 100,000kWh per year.
Rohit Communities, ArtisanAlberta-based developers Rohit Group were surprised upon learning they could incorporate energy efficient components in their Artisan project in Kelowna for virtually no additional costs. The evelopers consulted with a PowerSense technical advisor and, after understanding the costs nvolved and the different technologies, incorporated energy efficient lighting, low-E windows and ENERGY STAR appliances in the three-story multi-family building. “The most surprising thing to me was how easy the entire process was. Having our PowerSense rep only a phone call away when questions arose made the process simple. We have always been an environmentally conscious company and will continue working to include as many green initiatives as possible with our future projects,” says Rocky Sethi, Rohit’s Regional Manager in the Okanagan.
Westwood Fine CabinetryWestwood Fine Cabinetry is the largest manufacturer and retailer of its kind in British Columbia’s interior. Founded in 1972, the company employs more than 100 people and has a global customer base, including RONA and Totem Building Supplies. The company recently installed a high-efficiency, energysaving compressor that shuts down when not in use. “As we continue to expand and improve, we will definitely look for other initiatives like this that allow us to save energy and be more cost effective at the same time,” says Curtis Menard, factory manager.
Rivendell Development Corp, V erana Okanagan Phase IIThe Verana Okanagan is a four-phase, 164-unit gated condominium project in Penticton. The development includes high efficiency air source heat pumps, compact fluorescent lights and above code insulation values. The development has Penticton’s first Green Roof system in place complete with innovative low water usage irrigation. The Verana Okanagan Phase 1 was also recognized with a PowerSense Conservation Excellence Award in 2008. “The success of the project is built on the cornerstone of PowerSense and we are proud to have our award from Phase I on the mantle in our sales centre,” says Matthew Hay, president of Rivendell Development Corporation, a member of the Built Green™ BC program. Built Green™ BC is an energy efficiency and sustainability program for residential housing.
Braemar Group, Comfort Suites KelownaConstructed by the Braemar Group, the new Comfort Suites Kelowna includes 83 units plus an indoor pool, waterslide, hot tub, cardio centre, business centre and meeting space. “We are operating our properties for the long-term and because of that, we built the Comfort Suites Kelowna with a view to the future. From the materials and energy efficient technologies to the contemporary design and furnishings, the quality is apparent and no detail was left unconsidered,” says Rod Hazard, president of The Braemar Group. Energy efficient features include heat pumps, low-E windows throughout, high efficiency lighting in suites and common areas, high insulation factors, and room sensor thermostats all help to achieve more than 195,000 kWh savings per year.
The Webster Group, Centre Point at SummerfieldThe Webster Group worked closely with FortisBC PowerSense for its latest multi-family project, Centre Point at Summerfield. Located in downtown Kelowna, Centre Point is a four-storey condominium building with 68 units, and includes high efficiency lighting throughout and ENERGY STAR low-E windows. “While these features may not be an immediate need for new home purchasers, we are seeing our customers demand energy efficiencies when making their purchasing decisions. Programs like FortisBC’s PowerSense allow us to be more competitive and do the right thing for our customers and the environment at the same time,” says Ken Webster, president and founder of The Webster Group.
Young Life Canada, Wolfe Creek LodgeWolfe Creek Lodge is a secluded mountain lodge near Princeton, BC. In the summer months, it houses 110 staff that run youth summer camp programs and during the rest of the year, it is a conference and corporate retreat facility available for private bookings. Facing Inspiration Lake and surrounded by the majestic Cascade Mountains, it’s only natural that protecting the environment be at the forefront of the new building’s design. “We believe in working relationally — whether it is with the environment around us, or the craftsmen and trades on a project. It is those partnerships that make us successful and we are proud to have invested in the future this way,” says Peter Van Genne, property manager for RockRidge Canyon. Geothermal heating and cooling, low-E windows and high efficiency lighting throughout is expected to save upwards of 200,000 kWh/year.
City of Penticton, South Okanagan Events CentreThe South Okanagan Events Centre is home to two sheets of ice that convert
to concert and event facilities. Unique features include energy efficient
refrigeration, heat recovery systems and energy efficient lighting with timers,
motion detectors and dimming functions for roadways. “The hard work is
worth the effort we put in to see that we run as efficiently and responsibly as
possible. We recover up to 3,140,000 BTU/hour with heat recovered from the
refrigeration plant. With all of the design efficiencies, we estimate we will save
201,000 kWh of energy per year,” says Terry Andreychuk, electric utility general
manager for the City of Penticton. “The technology in this facility is second to
John Howard Society of the Central and South OkanaganCardington Apartments is owned and operated by the John Howard Society, a charitable organization working in the Okanagan since 1956 providing programs and services that focus on crime prevention, rehabilitation, reintegration and social justice. The society also provides supportive housing developments for homeless people or those at risk of homelessness. Cardington was designed with sustainability first and foremost — from the low-flow irrigation in the indigenous gardens to low-E windows, geothermal technology, heat recovery systems, and high insulation values. With its many energy efficient features, the 30-unit building is the first of its kind for the society. “Overall, the residents have embraced the new technologies and love that they are able to control their own environments in the suites. We are proud of the new directions that were taken in this project and it has acted as a catalyst for future projects in our community, where we are committed to achieve LEED Gold Standard,” says Shelly Cook, the society’s executive director.
Overwaitea Food Group, Save-On-FoodsSave-On-Foods is part of the Overwaitea Food Group, a BC- based company with more than 120 stores in communities throughout British Columbia and Alberta. With high consumption in areas like refrigeration, lighting and air conditioning, Overwaitea is always looking to incorporate more efficient technologies and save energy in their stores. A recent remodel and refit at Kelowna’s Lakeshore Road Save-On-Foods location included the installation of energy efficient lighting and a refrigeration system that reclaims heat. “It’s great that even though we’ve increased our refrigeration system capacity, we’ve reduced our electricity consumption by 12 per cent,” says Wayne Meger, Overwaitea’s energy manager. “Overall, this project reduces consumption by more than 200,000 kWh per year and brings us one step closer toward our goal of becoming an energy conservation leader in every community we serve.”
Kiwanis TowerA landmark building in Kelowna, Kiwanis Tower installed heat pump units in each suite, replacing the decades-old electric forced air heating system. The 35-year old building includes 146 low income, subsidized suites. “Our PowerSense representative was a wealth of information and I cannot imagine going through this process without his assistance. He provided us with needed education and was instrumental to the success of this project,” says Karyn Showdra, executive director for the Kiwanis Community Service Society. “We expect a big difference in our heating costs which was integral to undertaking this venture.” She said the energy savings will be realized over the long term while ensuring residents are more comfortable.
H&H Total Care Services Inc, The HamletsThe Hamlets at Penticton opened in 2009 by H&H Total Care, a private health care management company that has owned and operated long-term and assisted living communities for seniors throughout British Columbia for more than 20 years. “We believe in health and happiness for our residents and achieve that through our high standard of care and the quality of the facilities they are delivered in. That is apparent in our new Penticton location,” says Hank VanRyk, founder and president of H&H Total Care. Features include extensive internal controls and sensors for high efficiency lighting, geothermal heating and cooling systems, low E windows and other gold standard features. “Our clients are happier in facilities like this and, as a result, we are using it as a model for future facilities to come,” added VanRyk.
The Mission Group, The ModeThe Mode is built with green-inspired materials and systems such as droughttolerant, native plantings for a water-efficient landscape and a solar-powered system — 30 solar panels were installed on the roof — that heats the water supply. “We bring an inspired green approach to our projects and a belief that we can create better homes in the communities we live in,” says JoAnne Adamson, Mode project manager with Mission Group developers. Other energy efficient highlights include packaged terminal heat pumps, low-E windows and efficient lighting to reduce energy consumption, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and carpets.
School District 67, Penticton Secondary SchoolBetween 1910 and 1975, there were at least 28 additions to the original building now known as Penticton Secondary School. A reconstruction project was launched in 2006 when students could no longer efficiently navigate the sprawling campus. More than 1,350 students still attended classes while additions, reconstruction and demolition took place and resulted in the new 14,000-square-metre facility. Adding to the challenge was the fact that the original brick structures were incorporated into the new design in order to maintain the history and esthetic that gives it much of its charm. “Keeping the brick buildings was the first step in making this a green project,” explains John Hickling, director of maintenance for the Okanagan Skaha school district. “We added geothermal heating and cooling with two heat exchangers, low-E windows, occupancy sensors and controls for lighting, high insulation factors and a heat recovery system to give us this new state-of-the-art school. It’s much more visible now and a landmark in many ways.”
Okanagan College, Cafeteria Ventilation ProjectOkanagan College has created a Sustainability Team and a project called 3 Steps Forward with the mission to make Okanagan College environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. One example is the Cafeteria Ventilation project, where retrofits are anticipated to save more than 400,000 kWh/year and reduce C02 emissions by 351 metric tons. Features include occupancy sensors to reduce electrical consumption on fans and lighting, improved central heat pump and HVAC systems, using fan energy for the teaching and main cafeteria exhaust fans, reducing domestic hot water temperatures, and adding high efficiency air-to-air heat pumps. “At a time when major changes in how we think, work and live are urgently needed, the Okanagan College staff and students are committed to make a difference. This project is an example of how we’re working to reduce energy consumption, run more efficiently and lessen our environmental impact,” says Peter Csandl, manager, operations and energy systems for Okanagan College.
Rossland Contracting Inc, Murano ProjectA dream was realized for Rossland Contracting Inc when they created an environmentally friendly home that maximizes the efficient use of energy, water and other materials. The Murano condominium project includes geothermal systems, low-E dual and triple pane windows, geothermal heated hot water tanks, energy efficient appliances, extensive natural lighting, energy saver lighting in common areas, water wise landscaping, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and green label carpeting. “Working in construction for most of our lives, my partners and I wanted to showcase something different with this project and we are happy to have succeeded,” says Fred Klemper, a partner of Rossland Contracting Inc.
City of Kelowna, H2O Adventure + Fitness CentreThe City of Kelowna’s H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre features an Olympicsized 50-metre swimming pool, a wave pool, three water slides, a river run and the first Flowrider™ simulated wave machine in Canada, as well as a 1,100-square-metre cardio and weight workout space. It also incorporates cutting-edge, energy saving technology below its playful surface. “When the humidity is lower or there are fewer people, the need for air circulation will go down,” says Randy Cleveland, the city’s director of infrastructure planning. “We can slow down the system in increments and save energy. ” The systems are also designed to recover the heat from the moist air and from filter back wash cycles. These efficiencies align with the City’s goal to reduce water and energy consumption in all civic buildings. H20 operates at 40 per cent of the energy required by a conventional pool and two metres of windows run along the top of the facility, letting in natural light. Special tinting in the south and west windows reduces any glare on the water and keeps out excess heat. These efficiencies are expected to reduce electrical energy consumption by 608,000 kWh/year.
UBC Properties Trust, Student CentreOne of the newest buildings on the growing UBCO Campus in Kelowna is University Centre. A hub for student activity, it is offers everything from fresh food to financial aid — a place for student activity and engagement. The 79,000-sq.-ft. building includes numerous energy efficient technologies, including groundwater heating and cooling and other energy-saving initiatives such as a wind tower for ventilation that are expected to amount to 1,125,000 kWh/year in energy savings, solidifying UBCO’s position as a leader in campus sustainability. “These features provide incalculable returns by reducing our emissions and also rewarding us with energy cost savings,” says Nick Maile, development manager for UBC Properties Trust. “Receiving this type of recognition lets us know we’re making the right choices with these directions.”
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Turn off lights when not in use. One of the best ways to conserve energy is to simply turn off lights when not in use or when you leave the room. Try using timers and motion sensors for outdoor lighting. 
Energizing solar hot water in BC. SolarBC helps out with up to $1,625 towards the cost. Installing solar hot water will improve your energy security, save you money, and give you peace of mind.
The LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program can help you save money and energy on residential and business upgrades.
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