New $24.8 million energy efficiency contract awarded

By Patricia Leboeuf | June 28, 2018

An announcement was made on June 19 that Garrison Petawawa will improve its infrastructure and provide military personnel with modern, green facilities. The Department of National Defence awarded the $24.8 million contract to Johnson Controls Canada. Among those celebrating this announcement were (in front row) Allumette Island Mayor Winston Sunstrum, Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet, 4th Canadian Division Support Group (4 CDSG) Formation Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Tom Verner, 4 CDSG Commander Colonel Louis Lapointe, MP for Pontiac William Amos, President and CEO of Defence Construction Canada James Paul, Area General Manager for Johnson Controls Hassan Khan, Sales Engineer at Johnson Controls Louis-Michel Raby and Project Coordination and Communications for Johnson Control Phil Albert. (Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post)

Garrison Petawawa is taking action against climate change by improving the energy efficiency of its infrastructure with a new energy performance contract.

The $24.8 million contract was awarded to Johnson Controls Canada, which will work towards not only improving infrastructure, but providing military personnel with modern, green facilities. Retrofits and upgrades to the facilities will include updated lighting fixtures, modernized heating systems, and improved insulation.

It is estimated that this will reduce the energy footprint by 28 per cent, or the equivalent of 2,910 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. It will also save the garrison $1.6 million per year.

“Garrison Petawawa is proud to be part of this project that will leave an important mark on our future,” said 4th Canadian Division Support Group (4 CDSG) Commander Colonel Louis Lapointe. “This investment is going to have important economic and environmental impacts in support of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and at the same time, impact the day to day lives of people on this Garrison.”

As stated in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Department of National Defence (DND) is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations to support the government’s low-carbon target.

The contract will be overseen by Defence Construction Canada (DCC), which has been managing the delivery of infrastructure and environmental projects at Canada’s garrisons, bases, and wings for over 65 years. DCC is supporting DND and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) by planning and coordinating, including contract design, competitive procurement processes and ongoing contract management.

“We look forward to helping ensure that the CAF has the energy-efficient facilities it needs, now and in the decades to come,” said James Paul, DCC President and Chief Executive Officer.

Through this initiative, not only will the energy bill drop, but the quality of working and living on the Garrison will climb, all by reducing energy consumption.

Part of the contract’s focus will also be on education to help personnel learn how they can do their share to leave a greener legacy.

A series of new contracts are in development for Trenton, Greenwood, Shilo, Esquimalt, Alert, Bagotville, Borden, Kingston, Saint-Jean and Cold Lake. A contract is also being implemented at Base Valcartier.

“Through this initiative, Garrison Petawawa is paving the way for similar projects at Canadian military bases across the country in applying more sustainable technology and operational practices in government buildings,” said Col Lapointe.

As part of Canada’s defence policy, the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations will optimally be reached in 2050 as these green contracts contribute to reducing emissions to meet the new federal emissions reduction target of 80 per cent.

Retrofitting the Garrison’s facilities will definitely help with this goal.

“There are significant energy savings,” said William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac on behalf of the goverment. “DND’s buildings account for 60 per cent of the federal greenhouse emissions. DND and the Armed Forces have such a critical role to play in reducing our government’s overall greenhouse gas footprint.”