Maximize building performance.
Minimize operating costs.
How do you build affordable housing that exceeds energy and environmental targets? Region of Peel got it done.
Highlights
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During the full-day Savings by Design workshop, project teams were able to compare the energy use of different design options.
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Experts provided energy modelling and presented recommendations for improvements to the building envelope, mechanical systems and more.
Project highlights
17,276 m3
Projected annual natural gas savings
$41,894
Projected annual energy cost savings
45,794 kg CO2e
Projected annual GHG reduction
360 City Centre Drive is a 19-storey mixed rental building of 174 units, with amenities including an outdoor terrace, children’s playroom, fitness centre and more. A higher percentage of three-bedroom units—uncommon in the area—helps meet the needs of families, and six fully barrier-free units provide accessible living spaces.
Assessing design choices and cost impacts
To optimize energy performance, the Region of Peel collaborated with sustainable building experts from the Savings by Design program. During the full-day integrated design process workshop, the Region of Peel and their project team compared the energy use of different design options. Experts provided energy modelling and presented recommendations for improvements to the building envelope, mechanical systems and more. Cost consultants assessed the capital impact of each choice.
Unlike the typical floor-to-ceiling glass found in condos, 360 City Centre chose more energy-efficient wall insulation, among other enhancements, to improve building performance.
“We focused on the building envelope, where there were big opportunities to improve,” said Gord Anderson, Senior Project Manager, Housing Development at the Region of Peel. “Our team and the building science consultants made design changes right there in the workshop. We had all the right people in the room to say, ‘What would it look like to make the changes needed?’”
Keeping up in a time of unprecedented change
More frequent and severe extreme weather events—driven by climate change—are making it critical for building designs to include futureproofing, which the program helps housing providers to address.
“Building codes, housing policies and design considerations continue to change, for the right reasons,” said Gord Anderson, Senior Project Manager, Housing Development at the Region of Peel. “How do we collectively stay on track and keep up in a time of tremendous change? Savings by Design offers a well-structured opportunity for capacity building that benefits everyone. We would encourage all municipalities to participate.”
Key project enhancements
- High-performance building envelope.
- In-suite energy recovery ventilators.
- ENERGY STAR® appliances.
- High-efficiency central heating plant.
“We were very excited to work with building science experts provided through the Savings by Design program again on 360 City Centre Drive to create healthy living spaces and achieve sustainability outcomes within Peel’s affordable housing system.”
Brett Barnes
Manager, Housing Development
The Region of Peel
