The Southeast False Creek official development plan established a policy to minimize greenhouse gas pollution associated with new buildings in the area.
After a comprehensive study on low-carbon technology options, City Council approved the development of the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) to provide heat and hot water. In 2018, Council approved the expansion of the NEU to Mount Pleasant, Northeast False Creek, and the False Creek Flats area.
At the time of the NEU's development, only three other systems in the world recovered waste heat from untreated sewage. Since then, a number of other North American utilities locations have begun advancing plans to implement sewage heat recovery projects.
Awards
The City of Vancouver has won a number of awards recognizing the Neighbourhood Energy Utility, including the:
- 2018 International District Energy Association – Champion City UN Environment District Energy in Cities Initiative Public Sector Leadership Award
- 2013 American Society of Heating & Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers – Milton W. Garland Refrigeration Awards for Project Excellence
- 2010 Canadian Urban Institute’s Urban Leadership Award – Jury’s Choice Award External website, opens in new tab
- 2010 Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists BC – Sustainability Award External website, opens in new tab
- 2010 Architectural Institute of BC – Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Award in Architecture – Medal
- 2010 Consulting Engineers of British Columbia – Award for Engineering Excellence
- 2010 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Commercial Building Awards - Green Award
- 2009 Canadian Institute of Energy (BC) – Energy Research and Development Award
- 2009 Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators & the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Willis Award of Innovation