OTTAWA — Defence Construction Canada (DCC) has helped the Department of National Defence (DND) build its first “net-zero ready” building at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown in New Brunswick.
The 3,389-square-metre, $15.7-million Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Facility has almost all the features required to run completely off the grid, including geothermal heating and its own well, water treatment system and septic system, indicates a release.
The only thing missing are the solar arrays, which are scheduled to be installed next summer and will provide power to the building and grid that will offset the annual electricity consumption currently purchased from the province. Once the solar arrays are in place DND will be applying to have the facility’s current LEED Silver certification upgraded to Gold.
The building is located in the range and training area 15 kilometres from the Gagetown Garrison, so having it be as self-sufficient as possible is important to ensure ongoing operations, adds the release.
The project also won an award for best practices in environmental sustainability from the Real Property Institute of Canada.
“Achieving net-zero energy consumption with a building is a first for DND,” said Scott Nason, co-ordinator, construction services, in a statement.
“The project was a good starter step to learn from. DCC was instrumental in streamlining the problem-solving process and providing sound advice to resolve issues as we worked with advanced technology to ensure maximum energy efficiency.”
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