Energy audit, co-generation, Fennell Campus

Group Eight was retained to perform an energy audit and co-generation feasibility study of the Fennell Campus. Over the years several energy conservation measures were taken to reduce operating costs. However, these were insufficient as the college was faced with funding reductions, increased hours of operation and escalating electrical costs.

The study revealed that while minor additional energy conservation measures were possible, larger operating cost reductions would be realized by replacing high cost electrical energy with lower cost natural gas. Capital and operating costs were determined with a financial payback at 6.3 years. Capital cost was to be $1,166,000. A capital grant from the Ministry of Energy made the payback significantly more attractive.

The co-generation system was installed in a new building built over an existing sub-grade Electrical Room. For this phase of the project, Group Eight Engineering provided mechanical, electrical and structural engineering services that also included procurement and project management.