Zahra Zaker | MEL Clean Energy Engineering Candidate | Mentor: Fabian Navarro
Abstract
This project addresses water supply interruptions during power outages at a MURB Senior Affordable Housing in BC. It integrates solar panels with battery storage to ensure DHW reliability, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improve energy efficiency. Supported by comprehensive energy conservation measures (ECMs), innovative funding strategies, and multi-source financing, the project demonstrates the viability of sustainable energy solutions for affordable housing.
Introduction
Affordable Housing providers often face challenges in adopting sustainable energy solutions due to financial and operational constraints. This project aimed to address water disruptions and outdated energy systems by implementing a combination of Renewable Energy Systems, upgrade Energy Conservation Measures, and strategic funding. The initiative aligns with BC’s goals of reducing emissions and enhancing energy resilience in a MURB affordable housing.
Comparing Energy Consumption Before and After Retrofit
The graph illustrates the significant reductions in energy consumption achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive retrofit project at this senior affordable housing facility. The comparison highlights the outcomes of key Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) and renewable energy integration, demonstrating substantial improvements in energy efficiency. Electricity consumption decreased from 123,890 kWh annually to 44,719 kWh, reflecting a notable reduction in reliance on grid electricity. Similarly, propane consumption dropped from 20,277.94 ekWh per year to 16,111.24 ekWh, showcasing the project’s effectiveness in optimizing heating systems. The total energy consumption was reduced from 144,167.94 ekWh annually to 60,830.24 ekWh, achieving a remarkable overall efficiency gain.
These results underscore the project’s success in addressing energy consumption challenges, integrating sustainable solutions, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing energy reliability and cost-effectiveness for the facility. The outcomes set a replicable benchmark for future energy-efficient retrofits in affordable housing.
Objective
- Enhance energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.
- Upgrade energy conservation measures (ECMs).
- Ensure continuous water supply during power outages.
- Leverage multiple financial incentives for economic viability.
- Create a replicable model for affordable housing sustainability.
- Conduct renewable energy sources with installing Solar PV systems and Battery Storage.
Methodology
Energy systems were assessed through ASHRAE Level 1 and Level 2 studies to identify and prioritize ECMs. Key measures included:
This project addressed the critical issue of water supply interruptions during power outages at a senior affordable housing facility in British Columbia. By integrating solar panels with a 10 kWh battery storage system, the project ensured reliable operation of the water pump, making the DHW system resilient and dependable during outages. In addition to improving reliability, the project implemented comprehensive Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), including in-suite heat pumps, upgraded insulation, zone heating valve replacements, and HRV system enhancements, to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
| ECM | ECM Description |
| Ventilation system | HRVs upgrades |
| Zone heating valve replacement | Zone heating valve replacement |
| Attic Insulation | R-40 7500 sqft Partially insulation |
| Space heating mini split HP | In suite HP |
The total project cost, including Solar PV, battery storage, and ECMs, amounted to approximately $200,000. Multi-source financing played a pivotal role, with up to 85% of costs covered through contributions from Two Provincial Crown Corporations, and a Green Kickstarter Grant. The Solar PV system generates approximately 37,000 kWh annually, reducing electricity consumption and operational costs. Overall, the project achieved significant environmental impact, with a 93 tCO₂e reduction in GHG emissions over its lifetime, a 64% decrease in electricity use, and a 21% reduction in propane consumption and 56% reduction in GHG emissions.
| % Savings Electricity Consumption | 64% |
| % Savings Propane Consumption | 21% |
| % GHG Emission Reduction | 56% |
This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of integrating renewable energy and efficiency measures to create resilient, sustainable housing for vulnerable populations. By ensuring reliable water access, improving energy performance, and achieving substantial cost savings, the project sets a benchmark for similar retrofits in affordable housing, showcasing how thoughtful planning and collaborative funding can address critical service gaps while contributing to broader environmental goals.
Energy systems were assessed through ASHRAE Level 1 and Level 2 studies to identify and prioritize ECMs. Key measures included:
- Heat Pumps: Installed for in-suite heating and cooling, replacing less efficient systems to lower energy consumption and improve tenant comfort.
- HRV Upgrades: Enhanced ventilation systems to recover waste heat and reduce heating loads while improving air quality.
- Attic Insulation: Upgraded to R-40 for better thermal efficiency and to prepare the roof for solar PV installation.
- Lighting Improvements: LED retrofits reduced energy use and maintenance costs.
- Zone Heating Valves: Replaced outdated valves for improved temperature control and energy efficiency.
Solar PV System: A solar photovoltaic (PV) system was designed to offset 61% of the building’s annual electricity consumption, producing approximately 37000 kWh annually. The system’s feasibility was confirmed through a detailed analysis of roof characteristics, solar exposure, and projected energy needs. The roof’s structural integrity and alignment were optimized for long-term solar energy production.
Battery Storage: To ensure operational resilience, battery storage was integrated with the solar PV system. The battery stores surplus solar energy and provides backup power for the DHW system during outages. This setup not only ensures uninterrupted hot water supply but also enables optimal utilization of renewable energy during low sunlight periods or grid outages. The battery storage system, with 10 kWh total capacity and 8 kWh usable capacity, plays a critical role by ensuring that the water pump remains operational for up to 4 hours during power outages. This integration addresses a key challenge for residents, ensuring uninterrupted access to water, which is vital for comfort and safety specifically for seniors in an affordable housing.
Total Energy Savings Energy Retrofit Measures and Solar PV System
Funding: The project relied on a carefully structured funding strategy, combining multiple fund sources from two Provincial Crown Corporations one covered 75% of solar PV costs and 80-100% of ECM-related expenses, depending on the measure. The other one provided funding for the battery storage system and a portion of the solar installation. Additionally Green Kickstarter Grant contributed $10,000 to address remaining gaps, particularly for heat pump installations. The Seniors Housing Society covered the remaining costs to ensure all project components were fully funded. A competitive bidding process secured cost-effective solutions for ECMs and the solar PV system, ensuring both financial efficiency and high-quality installations.
Photo credit to: Solar Kootenay
Results and Discussion
The project achieved significant environmental and operational benefits:
- GHG Reduction: A substantial decrease of 93 tCO₂e over the project’s lifetime.
- Efficiency: Heat pump installations reduced electricity demand, while HRV upgrade and attic insulation improved thermal performance and indoor air quality.
- Solar and Storage: The solar PV system offset 61% of the building’s electricity needs, and battery storage provided reliable water supply during outages. The ability to feed surplus energy back to the grid further enhanced sustainability. The battery storage system, with 10 kWh total capacity and 8 kWh usable capacity, plays a critical role by ensuring that the water pump remains operational for up to 4 hours during power outages. This integration addresses a key challenge for residents, ensuring uninterrupted access to water, which is vital for comfort and safety specifically for seniors in an affordable housing.
GHG Emission Considering ECM and Solar and Battery Storage Installation
Funding strategies played a critical role in the project’s success. Extensive financial support, coupled with two provincial crown corporation contributions and grants, ensured that high upfront costs did not hinder implementation. By effectively utilizing these funds, the project delivered impactful energy solutions for the affordable housing sector.
Conclusion
This project exemplifies the potential of combining ECMs, renewable energy systems, and battery storage to achieve energy-efficient, resilient, and sustainable housing. The strategic use of multi-source funding ensured financial viability while addressing key challenges in affordable housing retrofits. This affordable housing serves as a replicable model, showcasing how innovative technologies and funding collaborations can transform energy performance and tenant well-being. The initiative sets a new benchmark for integrating environmental, social, and economic goals in affordable housing across BC.
Graph of GHG Emission Before and After Retrofit Considering ECM and Solar and Battery Storage Installation
Reference
- BCNPHA (BC Non-Profit Housing Association) Energy Study Report ASHRAE L1, 2019.
- FRESCo Energy Study Report ASHRAE L2, 2022.