The neighbourhood energy utility system provides space heating and hot water to new buildings in Southeast False Creek, including the Olympic Village.

Environmental benefits

The neighbourhood energy utility system has flexible infrastructure that can adapt to a wide variety of renewable waste energy options. By using sewage heat recovery to supply approximately 70% of the annual energy demand, the system eliminates over 60% of carbon emissions associated with heating buildings.

The buildings connected to the system meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, further minimizing the energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions by using high quality building envelope design and hot water radiant heating systems.

Economic benefits

The neighbourhood energy utility system is a self-funded utility that will provide return on investment to City tax payers, and provide competitive rates to customers. The system helps building developers meet the energy efficiency and green building requirements for Southeast False Creek, and is more cost effective than other green energy options, such as geo-exchange.

Social benefits

The neighbourhood energy utility system supports the use of radiant hot water heating systems in buildings that provide customers with a higher level of comfort at a lower energy use compared to conventional space heating options.

The system eliminates heat production equipment from individual buildings, creating more space for green roofs and reducing maintenance for building owners.