Executive summary
The following are key points for consideration with respect to this report:
- The Maple Avenue and Headquarters fire stations utilize ground based geothermal systems to provide heating and cooling to the facility. The heart of the systems are two heat pump units installed working in tandem, in each facility.
- These units have been identified as being prematurely at the end of their useful service life and continue to suffer repeated failures. Parts for these units are scarce which results in our HVAC contractor having to manufacture replacement parts or spend significant time sourcing the required parts. While sourcing these parts the unit remains inoperable.
- The Acton fire station utilizes three natural gas fired roof top units to provide heat and cooling to the facility. These units are also at the end of their useful service life. Issues such as obsolescence, metal fatigue, and difficulty in obtaining replacement parts require a significant amount of maintenance by contractors having to manufacture components or source replacement parts
Climate implications
- In May 2019, Town of Halton Hills Council declared a Climate Emergency and committed the Town to a goal of achieving net-zero carbon by 2030. Meeting this target for the Town’s operations requires swift action to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels including the use of natural gas at Town facilities.
- Given the short time frame adopted in the climate emergency, the Town cannot purchase new equipment that locks in consumption of significant fossil fuels past 2030.
- In order to meet the target set out in the 2019 declaration, the Town will need to pursue low-carbon and alternative fuel options whenever possible as capital investments are made into facilities. The electrification of the Acton Firehall Rooftop units will directly result in GHG emission reduction by fuel switching from natural gas to electricity. This will directly contribute to reducing the town’s overall GHG emissions and help it meet its 2030 net zero target.
- The Optimization of heat pump and geothermal systems at HQ and Maple firehalls will ensure optimized operation of the HVAC system, improved efficiency, reduction of operational costs and reduction of overall emissions at both firehalls. This will contribute to meeting the Town’s Net Zero Target by 2030.