May 13, 2008
Ajax Town Council has approved an integrated solar design for the new Operations and Environmental Services building to be built later this year.
The building, which will be located adjacent to the new Fire Hall at the south-west corner of Salem Road and Rossland Road, will be the second municipal Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building in Ajax. Together, the buildings will form a municipal LEED campus, the first of its kind for the Town.
The design combines thermal panels, used for hot water heating, along with photovoltaics - large panels that convert sunlight to electricity. Both elements together generate 50 kilowatts of electrical energy and enough hot water to meet the demands of a typical workday.
“The architects, along with senior management, agreed there was an opportunity for the Town to further demonstrate its leadership in sustainable development by introducing renewable energy technologies into our municipal buildings,” said Dave Meredith, Director of Operations and Environmental Services.
Incorporating solar technology into the building’s design has a number of benefits that include: reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional gas sources and electrical generation, improving outdoor environmental quality by lowering air and water pollution, and providing on-site tours and orientation sessions for the public, schools and businesses.
Additionally, provincial and federal programs offer financial incentives for the use of solar thermal panels, specifically installation costs. Through the Provincial Government, the Ontario Power Authority Standard Offer Program will pay .42 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity generated by the photovoltaic system. Under this program, all of the electricity can be sold to Veridian Corporation, and the Town would have the ability to buy back the building’s required electricity for approximately .11 cents.
In November 2007, Town Council approved a report directing the architects of the new building to incorporate LEED features. Some of the LEED elements being incorporated within its design include a “green roof”, ground source heat pumps and indoor air quality enhancements.
Incorporating LEED elements in the building, along with the integrated solar design, will cost approximately $3 million. Construction is expected to begin by November 2008. Earth works, including site grading and site servicing, are expected to commence in July 2008.
The final building design, incorporating the integrated solar proposal, will be presented to Council in September 2008.
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Media Contact:
Chris Mace, Communications Officer, 905-619-2529, ext. 325
