Okanagan University College—British Columbia

OUC is a public post-secondary learning institution centred in Kelowna, with a total of five campuses across British Columbia.

The Challenge

OUC sought increased energy-efficiency in order to support Canada’s Voluntary Climate Change Challenge and Registry Program. The college targeted their Kelowna and North Kelowna campuses as prime targets for improvement.

Our Solution

We worked jointly with OUC and the City of Kelowna on an energy conservation initiative that cut OUC’s energy usage tremendously. Our joint solution included a Waste Water Heat Reclamation Project utilizing new, high-efficiency boilers. Electric meters were amalgamated at the North Kelowna campus, and ventilation and heating were optimized. At the Kelowna campus, pipe was replaced and new chillers were installed, as well as condensing water heaters. Core heating, cooling and ventilation systems were upgraded across both campuses, resulting in vast efficiency and comfort advancements.

Results

OUC’s dedication to the environment has, with our guidance, resulted in a positive contribution to Canada’s Climate Change Plan under the Kyoto Protocol. Their reduced emissions of carbon dioxide are equivalent to planting 418 acres of trees, or removing 166 cars from the road. OUC will save $300,000 a year in energy costs—enough to recoup its initial investment of $2.4 million in eight short years, all while making the earth a better place to live.

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