Conference Paper
Proceedings of eSim 2022: 12th Conference of IBPSA-Canada
Designing a Net Zero Carbon Building in Northern Canada
Designing a Net Zero Carbon Building in Northern Canada
Jeanie Chan, Craig Trischuk, Pertti LaitinenAECOM CanadaAbstract: The Government of Canada is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% below 2005 levels by 2050. The Greening Government Strategy requires all new federal buildings to be net- zero carbon unless a cost-benefit analysis demonstrates otherwise.
Our study investigates the potential of achieving a Net Zero Carbon building in Northern Canada. Major challenges include fuel source availability, extreme cold weather, capital and operational costs, as well as GHG emission factors related to the electricity grid.
Using whole building energy and life-cycle cost analysis, we have investigated alternative HVAC plants and other measures that are financially feasible in reducing the GHG emissions of a new water treatment plant (WTP) in the Northwest Territories, Canada. WTPs add the additional challenge of high ventilation and process loads. Climate change, renewable energy systems, and future greening of the electricity grid are considered in this study. Keywords: net zero carbon, carbon neutral, Canada, building performance, biomassPaper: