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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-024-16 C"1 0 larington Planning Services Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Municipal Clerk at 905-623-3379 ext. 2102. Report To: Planning and Development Committee Date of Meeting: March 14, 2016 Report Number: PSD-024-16 Resolution Number: ' File Number: PLN 39.5 By-law Number: > Report Subject: Priority Green Clarington Green Demonstration Project Outcomes Recommendations: 1. That Report PSD-024-16 be received; 2. That Council thank Brookfield Residential, Halminen Homes and Jeffery Homes, and the six participating families for their participation and partnership throughout the Green Demonstration Project; and 3. That all interested parties listed in Report PSD-024-16 and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD -024-16 Page 2 Report Overview This report presents the results and outcomes of the water and energy efficiency demonstration project, carried out as a component of the Municipality's Priority Green Clarington initiative. Water, energy and cost savings, and greenhouse gas reductions that were realized through a demonstration project approach going beyond the minimum requirements of Ontario's Building Code support the Municipality's commitment to further integrating sustainability into the planning and residential development process. The project findings also have application for other municipalities and the building industry. 1. Background 1.1. To meet the needs of a quickly growing population in a sustainable manner, Clarington Council passed a resolution and allocated funding in January 2012 to support the establishment of a framework to promote the development of environmentally responsible, compact and complete new neighbourhoods throughout the community. With additional funding support from Ontario's Showcasing Water Innovation Program and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund, Priority Green Clarington was initiated and officially launched in October 2013. 1.2. Priority Green Clarington aims to set a new standard for residential development that prioritizes sustainability, promotes innovation and continues to improve the community's quality of life. To achieve this vision, Priority Green Clarington set out to: Identify policies, criteria, a process and incentives to encourage "green development" from the initial design of a neighbourhood through home construction (referred to as the Green Development Framework); and Contribute to the growing knowledge regarding the opportunities and challenges associated with green building practices through the execution of a demonstration project, evaluating water and energy savings practices in new homes. 1.3. The purpose of this report is to present the results of the demonstration project component of Priority Green Clarington, referred to as the Green Demonstration Project. A proposed Green Development Framework for Clarington and a corresponding implementation plan was received by Council on December 14, 2015 (Staff Report PSD - 060 -15). Evaluation and learning through demonstration is an important element of advancing green development in Clarington and beyond. 2. Green Demonstration Project 2.1. The Green Demonstration Project aimed to contribute to: Enhancing the Municipality's commitment to integrating sustainability into the planning and residential development process; Municipality of Clarington Report PSD -024-16 Page 3 The development of the 2017 Ontario Building Code; and Industry and citizen's knowledge about the opportunities and challenges of green development, and in particular residential water and energy conservation. 2.2. In collaboration with the Region of Durham and three local builders, Brookfield Residential, Halminen Homes and Jeffery Homes, the Green Demonstration Project led to the construction of six homes with efficient water and energy conservation methods that surpass the standards of the 2012 Ontario Building Code ("Better Than Code"). Over a 12 -month monitoring period, the energy and water consumption of the occupied homes was monitored to determine energy, water and cost savings, greenhouse gas emission reduction and municipal water avoidance. 2.3. Examples of some of the water and energy efficiency measures, or `green practices' in the demonstration homes include: • Greywater recycling systems, reusing shower water to flush toilets; • Ultra-low flush toilets (3.8 litres per flush, maximum); • Drain water heat recovery from bath and shower water; • Ultra-low flow showerheads (6.6 litres per minute); • Upgraded basement wall insulation (R-20); • Thermal exterior insulated sheathing around the building envelope; • Energy recovery home ventilation system; • Advanced wall framing techniques using less wood and more insulation. 2.4. Performance monitoring included tracking of total water, electricity, and natural gas usage, and water and electricity sub -metering of specific appliances and water fixtures within the demonstration homes. Prior to the start of the monitoring period the homes were tested for air tightness and a home energy rating performed. 2.5. Simulations were carried out to compare the as -built Green Demonstration Project homes to an equivalent home designed to the current requirements of the Ontario Building Code 2012. The comparison used the actual sub -metered water and energy consumption data to quantify the difference in home performance in terms of water and energy consumption and cost, and greenhouse gas emissions. 2.6. The demonstration homes were sited in the Brookhill subdivision in west Bowmanville (Figure 1) and the Courtice North subdivision in Courtice (Figure 2). Municipality of Clarington Report PSD -024-16 Page 4 Figure 1: Key Map Brookhill Subdivision (Brookfield Residential and Jeffery Homes) Brookhiii Subdivision a n cv us m f c 0 � It0 QDW o � $xj� 9Poor Street D`H9hy�Y2 Stevens Rod N U a Figure 2: Key Map Courtice North Subdivision (Halminen Homes) Courtice North Subdivision 14ME � o o a ~ � Nash Road > Qo burhern 1491? 2 � N Municipality of Clarington Report PSD-024-16 Page 5 3.Results 3.1.The detailed analysis and modelling that was completed based on the data collected during the 12-month monitoring period revealed energy, water, natural gas, and cost savings, and greenhouse reductions for the six houses.In addition, the results provide insight forthe Municipality and the Region in planning for future growth and neighbourhood development.Result highlights are summarized herein and the attached Showcasing Water Innovation Case Study (Attachment 1). The complete “Final Report for Priority Green Clarington – Water and Energy Demonstration Project” (Sustainable Edge, February 2016), including detailed findings and analysis, is available at www.prioritygreenclarington.com. Priority Green homes were, on average, 14% more water efficient 3.2. Comparing the performance of the demonstration homes tothemodels of equivalent homes designed to the minimum Ontario Building Code (2012) requirementsrevealsthat the demonstration homes were, on average, 14% more water efficient. Average daily water consumption for the demonstration homes was approximately 149 litres per capita. In comparison, the average water consumption rate observed in the same neighbourhoods where the demonstration homes were constructedwas 176 litres 1 per capita per day. The Region-wide water consumption average in 2015, which takes into account all residential customers irrespective ofthe date that their home was constructed, wasapproximately230 litres per capita per day. Three of the demonstration homes were outfitted with a greywater recycling system that treated and recycled shower water for toilet flushing. Where installed, thegreywater recycling systemscontributed to significant additional water savings. The demonstration homes with greywater recycling systems were, on average,19% more water efficient as compared to the models of equivalent homes designed to the minimum 2012 Ontario Building Code requirements.The greywater recycling systems saved an average of 13 litres of water per person per day. This is approximately 10% of a person’s daily water use. Priority Green homeswere, on average, 10% moreefficient 3.3. Energy use intensity (electricity + natural gas) allows for thecomparison ofthe energy use of buildings relative tosize.A lower energy use intensity value represents more efficient energy performance. Comparing the energy intensity of the demonstration homes to models of equivalent homes built to the minimum 2012 Ontario Building Code requirements revealed a 10% reduction in energy intensity for the demonstration homes. This reduction is inferred to be primarily related to the improvements made to thehouse’s building envelope, such as improved insulation, improved air tightness, and duct sealing. 1 Based on a comparative sample of 113 homes that were subject to the same minimum Ontario Building Code (2012) requirementsas the six demonstration homes. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD -024-16 Page 6 Further comparison of the demonstration homes average energy use intensity to the 2012 Ontario average for new construction reported by Natural Resources Canada indicates a 5% improvement in energy performance for the demonstration homes. 3.4. Priority Green homes showed an average annual cost savings of $386 The average projected annual cost savings for the demonstration homes was $386 based on 2015 utility costs, and ranged from $182 to $745 per year (2015 dollars with no expression of escalation rate). A financial assessment evaluating the value of the investment in many of the green practices yielded positive overall net present value, with a payback period of approximately 23 years. Three quarters of the average cost savings realized by the demonstration homes resulted from improved energy efficiency. While the net present value for energy efficiency related upgrades was generally positive, the payback in years was typically found to be longer than that of the Better Than Code shower faucets, kitchen faucets and toilets. These water savings measures are also more easily implemented by existing home owners looking to retrofit their current homes. While making a significant contribution to water savings, the greywater recycling system, an emerging technology, did not achieve a positive net present value over the span of the 20 year analysis. As this technology matures, it is expected to achieve greater market penetration leading to economies of scale and improved economic viability for the homeowner. 3.5. Priority Green homes reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 954 kilograms (CO2 equivalent) Ontario's climate change target is to reduce greenhouse gas pollution to 37% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. As reported in the Clarington Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (Durham Sustainability, 2010), the residential sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gas pollution in Clarington contributing 35% of community emissions, followed closely by vehicle transportation (34% of community emissions). In addition to energy, water and cost savings, the Better Than Code approach used for the demonstration homes makes a contribution to residential sector climate change mitigation efforts. In comparison to equivalent homes built to the minimum 2012 Ontario Building Code requirements, the demonstration homes reduced electricity consumption based greenhouse gas emissions by 6%, natural gas consumption based emissions by 13% and water consumption based emissions by 16%. With respect to water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions are primarily related to the energy that it takes to pump and treat municipal water. The average total annual emissions reduction found for the demonstration homes (954 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent) is nearly equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from car travelling from Bowmanville to Kenora, Ontario and back (approximately 3,800 km round trip). Municipality of Clarington Report PSD -024-16 Page 7 3.6. Water Supply Treatment Savings The results also provide insight into the potential water supply and treatment savings that may be realized if the reduced water consumption observed for the demonstration homes is applied to Clarington's forecasted residential growth. A high level evaluation carried out based on the results of the Green Demonstration Project estimated water supply and treatment savings from approximately $35,000 to $72,000 in the first year, and a reduction in greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide equivalents) of an estimated 6 — 12 metric tonnes, dependent upon the uptake of greywater recycling in new homes. 4. Outcomes 4.1. Collaboration was essential to the success of the Green Demonstration Project. In addition to the partnership with Brookfield Residential, Halminen Homes, Jeffery Homes, six participating families and the Region, the Green Demonstration Project received support the Durham Region Home Builders Association, the Sustainable Housing Foundation, numerous construction trades and product manufacturers, and utility companies. Shared learning over the course of the project has made a contribution to growing capacity for green building practices. This will continue as the Municipality shares the results and lessons learned from the Green Demonstration Project with other municipalities, the building industry and the broader community. 4.2. The Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan received by Council in December 2015 reflected a number of learnings that emerged from the demonstration project. The framework included recommended criteria and strategies that may be used for evaluating the environmental sustainability of proposed new development. The water and energy savings that were realized by the Green Demonstration Project homes, informed the establishment of reasonably achievable targets for building energy efficiency, water efficient fixtures and faucets, and greywater recycling. 4.3. The Green Demonstration Project also demonstrated the achievement of targeted energy and water savings through a flexible approach. Each partner builder worked collaboratively with the Municipality and committed to a customized Better Than Code strategy that reflected constraints or differences in their construction, builder preferences and experiences, and the needs of the occupants. The importance of providing for flexibility in how green development is achieved was similarly recommended in the green development framework and will be taken into consideration in the implementation of a future green development program for Clarington. 4.4. While not all of the green practices included in the project demonstrated value based strictly on a financial evaluation, the environmental value of a Better Than Code approach to home building, including resource savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions should not be overlooked. Further, while utility cost escalation rates have been considered, these can be difficult to predict. These factors, as well as other market drivers that may positively contribute to economies of scale, can greatly influence a value. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD -024-16 Page 8 4.5. At the Regional scale, the Green Demonstration Project can inform future Water Supply Master Plan updates and the work currently underway to prepare a Durham Community Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Placing the data in the context of Clarington's projected population growth provides insight into the potential implications water consumption patterns will have on municipal infrastructure development and greenhouse gas reductions. 4.6. To support the achievement of Ontario's energy, water and climate change goals, resource conservation requirements for the construction of new homes are established in the Ontario Building Code. These requirements have been routinely strengthened, coinciding with building code amendment cycles. The next amendment to the Ontario Building Code will occur in 2017. Green Demonstration Project findings, such as the demonstration that indoor water reuse presents the next opportunity to further reduce water consumption in homes, are significant in terms of informing the development of future Ontario Building Code requirements. 4.7. The findings of the Green Demonstration Project are largely positive, and effectively demonstrate the proof of concept with relation to water and energy saving features and design characteristics. It is, however, important to note that the Green Demonstration Project was limited to a sample size of six homes. On-going demonstration, study, assessment and evaluation by the building industry, companies and government will continue to contribute to the growing knowledge base that informs both the opportunities and challenges of green development. 5. Concurrence Not applicable. 6. Conclusion 6.1. Collaboration between the local building industry, community members, green manufacturers, Municipal and Region Staff and a number of other agencies and organizations has affirmed, based on actual living conditions, the potential environmental and economic value of a Better Than Code approach to home building. In the context of Clarington's forecasted residential growth, the Green Demonstration Project results illustrate the potential benefits that be realized by encouraging "green" home design as a component of long-term community planning. 6.2. Sharing and promoting the results of the Green Demonstration Project will contribute to increasing understanding of the potential opportunities and challenges of green home building. In addition, Staff are optimistic that results will help to build capacity and inspire change amongst the local building industry and to drive market demand for a "greener" approach to home building. Early signs of the potential for change have already been seen. In October 2014, a commitment was made by one local builder to construct 20 new energy and water efficient homes within Clarington using similar Better Than Code principles. A promotion and education plan is currently under development, with implementation to occur throughout the spring. Municipality of Clarington Report PSD -024-16 Page 9 The recommendations contained in this report conform to the Strategic Plan. Submitted by: D td Crome, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning Services Reviewed b Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer Staff Contact: Amy Burke, Senior Planner, 905-623-3379 ext. 2423 or aburke@clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 — Showcasing Water Innovation Case Study: Priority Green Clarington Residential Water and Energy Efficiency Demonstration Project List of interested parties to be notified of Council's decision is on file in the Planning Services Department. ACBIFLIjpldf Municipality of Clarington ciffingwin Attachment 1 to PSD -024-16 priority building liveable neighbourhoods Priority Green Clarington Residential Water and Energy Efficiency Demonstration Project High Level Results • Collaboration with the Region of Durham and three local home builders • Assessed the potential value of residential energy and water efficiency measures under actual operating conditions • Identified water and energy efficiency potential for new neighbourhoods • Reused greywater to reduce municipal water demand • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions • Evaluated potential cost savings for both home owners and utility service providers • Assessed the cost effectiveness of water and energy saving measures • Confirmed tangible conservation targets for the establishment of sustainability criteria for new residential development • Identified potential opportunities to strengthen resource efficiency requirements in the Ontario Building Code • Improved industry knowledge of and capacity for new and emerging green home building practices "The green home demonstration project has helped us to gather valuable data that informs the establishment of a Green Development Program for future residential growth in Clarington. We are challenging local builders to be environmental leaders, and welcome more opportunities to learn and collaborate." Adrian Foster Mayor, Municipality of Clarington Residential Water and Energy Efficiency Demonstration Project 02/2016 Challenge As the eastern -most municipality in Durham Region and part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Clarington is located within one of the fastest growing regions in North America and a rapidly urbanizing part of the province. Clarington's population increased from about 63,000 in 1996 to an estimated 95,220 in 2015 — an increase of 51% in 20 years. Strong population growth is expected to continue and may require an estimated 19,400 new housing units be built in Clarington over the next 15 years to accommodate forecasted growth. New development is putting strains on infrastructure and the natural environment. Solution To meet the needs of a quickly growing population in a sustainable manner, the Municipality established the Priority Green Clarington initiative. Priority Green Clarington aims to set a new standard for residential development that prioritizes sustainability, promotes innovation and continues to improve the community's quality of life. With Provincial and Federal funding support, Priority Green Clarington set out to: • Contribute to the growing collection of knowledge about the opportunities and challenges associated with green building practices through the execution of a demonstration project, evaluating water and energy savings practices in new homes; and • Identify policies, criteria, a process, and incentives to encourage "green development" from the initial design of a neighbourhood through home construction. Priority Green Clarington was initiated in April 2013. Showcasing Water Innovation funding from the Government of Ontario provided the necessary support to carry out the demonstration project component of Priority Green Clarington, referred as the Green Demonstration Project. In collaboration with the Region and three local builders, the Green Demonstration Project led to the construction of six homes with efficient water fixtures and energy conservation methods that surpass the standards of the Ontario Building Code (OBC 2012). Over a 12 -month monitoring period, the energy and water consumption of these occupied homes was monitored to determine energy, water and cost savings, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and municipal water avoidance. Cjar on 2 of 6 Residential Water and Energy Efficiency Demonstration Project 02/2016 Priority Green Clarington Project Coordinator (far left), Mayor Adrian Foster (centre) and Green Demonstration Project partner builders (left to right), Halminen Homes, Jeffery Homes and Brookfield Residential. "Having not one, but three members of the local building sector step forward to contribute to advancing green home building practices in Ontario expands the reach of this initiative and the lessons that we'll learn further into the community." David Crome Director of Planning Services, Municipality of Clarington Examples of some of the water and energy efficiency measures, or green practices', in the demonstration homes include: • Greywater recycling systems, reusing shower water to flush toilets • Ultra-low flush toilets (3.8 litres per flush, maximum) • Drain water heat recovery from bath and shower water • Ultra-low flow showerheads (6.6 litres per minute) • Upgraded basement wall insulation • Thermal exterior sheathing • Energy recovery ventilation • Advanced wall framing techniques using less wood and more insulation Examples of `green practices' (left to right): drain water heat recovery unit, greywater recycling system, exterior insulated sheathing, ultra-low flow toilet (dual flush 3.6/1.9 litres/flush). Performance monitoring included tracking of total water, electricity, and natural gas usage, and water and electricity sub -metering of specific appliances and water fixtures within the demonstration homes. Prior to the start of the monitoring period the homes were tested for air tightness and a home energy rating performed. Cjar on 3 of 6 _ €lYi'� Yl i+� Residential Water and Energy Efficiency Demonstration Project 02/2016 Electricity and water sub -metering equipment was installed in each demonstration home, tracking consumption with a web -based interface. Air tightness testing was undertaken prior to occupancy. The Green Demonstration Project set water and energy conservation targets based on OBC 2012 and future legislated efficiency increases. To determine its water efficiency goals, the Green Demonstration Project looked at past improvements to the OBC, as well as current technological advances, choosing a target of 15% increase in water efficiency over OBC 2012 requirements. This translates to a goal of 130 L/person/day consumed in a residential setting. For energy efficiency, the Green Demonstration Project aimed to achieve 15% improvement over OBC 2012 in advance of the pending January 1, 2017 code update. Simulations were carried out to compare the as -built Green Demonstration Project homes to an equivalent home designed to the current requirements of OBC 2012. The comparison used the actual sub -metered water and energy consumption data to quantify the difference in home performance in terms of water and energy consumption and cost, and greenhouse gas emissions. Results Results of Priority Green Clarington's residential water and energy efficiency demonstration project include: • Water efficiency improvements of 8 — 12% in the absence of a greywater recycling system and 19 — 20% where a greywater recycling system was installed over models of comparable homes built to the minimum Ontario Building Code specifications. • Water consumption avoidance of 13 litres per person per day (on average), or 10% of a person's indoor daily water use, as a direct result of installing greywater recycling systems. • Energy efficiency improvements of 9 — 12% over models of comparable homes built to the minimum Ontario Building Code specifications. • Average daily water consumption of 149 litres per capita per day, which is less than the average consumption rate observed in the neighbourhood where the demonstration homes were constructed (176 litres per capita per day) and well below the 2015 Region -wide average of 230 litres per capita day. Cjar on 4 of 6 Residential Water and Energy Efficiency Demonstration Project 02/2016 • Average estimated annual avoidance of 955 kg of greenhouse gas emissions per home (in CO2 equivalents). • Average annual total cost savings (including electricity, natural gas and water cost savings) for the home owner of $386 based on 2015 utility costs. • Financial assessment yielding positive results for all of the improved water efficiency measures incorporated into the demonstration project (i.e. ultra-low flow showerheads — 6.6 litres/minute, kitchen faucets- 5.7 litres/minute and toilets- <3.8 litres/flush), with the exception of greywater recycling. • A positive net present value for the overall package of water and energy green practices demonstrated, with a payback period of approximately 23 years. • Pre -occupancy energy rating meeting or exceeding the energy efficiency requirements anticipated to be mandated by the 2017 Ontario Building Code. • High level demonstration of potential water supply and treatment savings based on Clarington's growth forecasts ranging from approximately $35,000 to $72,000 in the first year and a reduction of an estimated 6 — 12 metric tonnes of greenhouse gases (in CO2 equivalents), dependent upon the uptake of greywater recycling in new homes. Next Steps The Municipality recognizes the potential benefits of "green" home and neighbourhood design as a component of long-term community planning. In December 2015, Municipality of Clarington Council approved a plan to promote more sustainable neighbourhood development in Clarington. The ""Priority Green Clarington Green Development Framework and Implementation Plan" is a foundation for the implementation of a green development program that will encourage local land developers and builders to adopt a greener approach to development in Clarington. The plan includes criteria that the Municipality may use when evaluating the environmental sustainability of new development. The establishment of these criteria was informed by the findings of the Green Demonstration Project. The Green Demonstration Project has also begun to inspire change amongst local builders. Based on experience gained and lessons learned as a participating builder in the Green Demonstration Project, a local builder committed to constructing 20 new energy and water efficient homes within Clarington using similar "beyond code" principles. "The homes will be built with the same beyond code principles: reducing their energy, water, and sewer footprint and lessening the pressure on both infrastructure and the environment." Scott Jeffery Jeffery Homes For the Region, which is responsible for the provision of water and sewer services in Clarington and other area municipalities, the Green Demonstration Project will inform Cjar on 5 of 6 _ priuri#y Residential Water and Energy Efficiency Demonstration Project 02/2016 future Water Supply Master Plan updates. Placing the data in the context of Clarington's projected population growth provides insight into the potential implications water consumption patterns will have municipal infrastructure development. "The water these and other home owners save not only reduces their water bill, it also frees up water for some of our growth. This enables the Region to potentially grow water and sewer infrastructure at a rate slower than population growth. The capital not required to expand the infrastructure in lock -step with growth, allows those resources to be re -distributed elsewhere within the community where they are needed." Glen Pleasance Water Efficiency Coordinator, Region of Durham Application for Ontario communities The results of the Green Demonstration Project help to inform the home building industry and home buyers of water and energy efficient equipment, materials and technologies. In addition, the findings can be used to inform the development of future OBC requirements by identifying successful and cost effective green practices. More specifically, the Green Demonstration Project showed that indoor water reuse presents the next opportunity in reducing indoor water use further. Not only does this have important implications for future versions of the OBC, but also for other water scarce regions of Canada as impacts of climate change are realized. Collaborative learning with local builders and building inspectors, and sharing results with the community were important objectives of the demonstration project. Contact Information Amy Burke Senior Planner Planning Services Department Municipality of Clarington 905-623-3379 aburke(a)clarinaton. net 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3A6 www.priori!ygreenclarington.com Glen Pleasance Water Efficiency Coordinator Works Department Regional Municipality of Durham 905-668-7711 Glen. pleasance(a)durham.ca 605 Rossland Road East Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3 The views expressed are the views of the authors, and not those of the Province of Ontario. Cic'tMwon 6 of 6 priority, s,, ..