• Start year: 2008
• Type: Organizational / Governance
• Status: In operation

• Start year: 2009
• Type: Technical/Infrastructure investment
• Status: Completed

The project is a pilot study to assess whether the use of a solar hot water system in a commercial high rise building is a technically and economically effective way to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. For the study, natural gas and water consumption meters were installed. A data logger was also installed to help identify potential operational improvements. A 2-year monitoring and verification program was also included as part of the agreement with the system designer / installer.

The system is used to heat domestic hot water supplied to washroom sinks, reducing natural gas purchases. The system components include 80 evacuated collector tubes in racks, two 880 litre solar storage tanks, a double wall heat-exchanger and a Resol differential temperature controller. The tubes and racks cover a 20m2 area.

A unique drain-back design provides freeze- and overheating-protection for the system. When the temperature is too low or too high for the system to operate safely and effectively, the system simply shuts off and the heat transfer water inside gravity-drains to a tank, where it is re-circulated when normal operating temperatures are reached. Other systems typically add a food-grade glycol to the heat transfer fluid for freeze protection, which causes a slight efficiency loss in the system and also adds a maintenance requirement and cost. A cooling fan can be used to dissipate heat to protect against overheating. However, the heat is lost.

• Start year: 2010
• Type: Assessment/Research
• Status: Completed

• Start year: 2010
• Type: Technical/Infrastructure investment
• Status: In operation

• Start year: 2011
• Type: Technical/Infrastructure investment
• Status: Completed

As the authority responsible for the region’s trunk sewer
network and wastewater treatment system, Metro Vancouver
has developed an Interim Sewer Heat Strategy to enable
access to sewage heat for district energy systems. The intent
is to provide clear direction to public and private entities
interested in using sewer heat in place of natural gas for
heating while a more detailed long-term sewer heat policy
framework is being developed. The interim strategy allows
Metro Vancouver staff to conduct further technical analysis
and engage with stakeholders on issues such as governance,
ownership rights, liability, etc.

• Start year: 2010
• Type: Education/Awareness Raising
• Status: In operation

• Start year:
• Type: Assessment/Research
• Status:

Those local governments participating in the ICLEI Adaptation
Initiative worked closely with the Pacific Climate Impacts
Consortium (PCIC) to generate more useful downscaled
climate impacts data for the Metro Vancouver region.
The study produced forecasts for changes in precipitation,
heating- and cooling-degree days, and temperature extremes.
The data will be used by Metro Vancouver and the
region to plan for climate change impacts.

• Start year:
• Type: Policy/Strategies/Action Plans
• Status: In operation

Metro Vancouver and four of its member municipalities are
participating in the ICLEI Adaptation Initiative. Through the
five-milestone process, regional local governments are gathering
more data on the impacts of climate change in the
region, identifying risks and vulnerabilities, and identifying
strategies to address those risks.
Participating organizations: ICLEI