Brooks – The heating system at the Centennial Regional Arena recently underwent some much-needed upgrades. The CRA is currently heated by boilers, installed in 2009, with a rated efficiency of 84.5%, not including degradation from over a decade of operation. Furthermore, these boilers have become increasingly dysfunctional and require rigorous maintenance each year. Repairs and maintenance currently cost the City thousands of dollars each year, plus the stress of having temperature setbacks and dysfunctional equipment.
Thanks to a grant provided by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, the boilers were not only replaced, but replaced with a much more efficient model which will result in massive energy savings. The new condensing boilers which were installed can be up to 95-99% efficient; the extra efficiency comes as a result of different operating temperatures and extracting waste heat from vapours through condensation. The annual energy savings is estimated at $5,500 based on pre-COVID operations. Addressing the dysfunction will also eliminate unwanted temperature fluctuations which should increase energy savings significantly at no further cost. Plus, it makes things more comfortable for staff and guests while reducing the amount of staff time and overtime for repairs.
The Recreation Energy Conservation (REC) program provided grants of up to $750,000 to municipalities and community-related organizations for the purchase and installation of energy-saving equipment in recreation facilities. In many communities, recreation facilities run at all hours of the day, providing diverse services for residents and tourists. As a result, municipalities see significant energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from these essential facilities.
Through the REC grant, the City of Brooks received $83,681.25 towards the cost of the new boiler system. The remaining project costs were paid by the City ($32,318.75) but with energy and overtime savings, the project will have a payback period of approximately 2.5 years.
Beyond that, the annual energy savings will result in lower facility operating costs which benefits all users.
For more information on the CRA Boiler Retrofit project, please contact:
Todd Smith
Supervisor, Facilities Services
tsmith@brooks.ca
403-362-3333
or
Lisa TIffin
Manager, Community Development
ltiffin@brooks.ca
403-362-3333