Airdrie's city council has approved a 25 per cent energy reduction standard for new large municipal buildings and directed the administration to create a sustainable buildings policy. Mayor Peter Brown cast the sole opposing vote during Tuesday's meeting.
The decision followed a presentation on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction options for upcoming municipal projects. Monica Labait, Manager of Treasury, outlined various energy efficiency tiers and recommended adopting Tier 2, which is 25 per cent more efficient than the current baseline.
This option allows architects and designers flexibility in proposing ways to achieve the target based on the building's use. A Tier 4 standard, while offering 60 per cent greater efficiency and the potential for net zero energy (NZE) readiness, is costly upfront and dependent on grants, which may not be guaranteed.
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"Given the number of projects the city has over the next 10 years and debt limits," she noted, "Upfront cost is a very important concept to factor in."
Labait also mentioned the option for a parametric study for items such as the new Southwest Recreation facility.
"This study was not included in the current budget, and if required, a budget adjustment would be brought forward as design is about to begin for this particular facility."
Councillor Tina Petrow asked about the scope of the parametric studies associated with these tiers, asking, "Are architects and engineers required to present all options for each tier, not just the most cost-effective one, so we can evaluate everything comprehensively?"
Joad Clement, Energy Advisor to the city, confirmed this would be the case.
"We aim to present all options and document why certain designs may be ruled out, ensuring the council can make well-informed decisions based on lifecycle costs."
Councillor Petrow expressed satisfaction that the parametric studies would show all options, not just the final choice. She also inquired whether the council would review each project for a parametric study, as previously agreed.
Labait confirmed this would be addressed during budget deliberations, with the Southwest Recreation Centre specifically highlighted because its design phase had already been approved.
Councillor Candice Kolson then asked about the costs associated with these studies and whether grants were available. The administration noted that costs would vary by project and mentioned that a ballpark figure for the Southwest Recreation Centre was available but would be shared later. Councillor Al Jones emphasized the importance of including the findings from the parametric studies in project bid packages to set clear expectations.
He expressed concern about avoiding unexpected costs later in the process. However, it was explained that during the design phase, a rough budget would be provided, and the design would need to meet the specified energy tier, ensuring all costs are accounted for. Labait added that costs may vary depending on the design phase, whether preliminary or detailed, but this approach would remain consistent.
Mayor Brown Opposes
Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown raised concerns about not valuing the current urban forest and its potential carbon credits, questioning why this isn't factored into the proposed 25 per cent greenhouse gas reduction target.
"I won't be supporting it the way it's written right now just based on that; if we're going forward with a policy that says we will do this regardless, then I'm not interested in supporting it until we can see it. But, I am really curious to know why we haven't valued or used that against our 25 per cent because the government of Canada does it, I think... and most other landowners that surround us and across the country."
Labait explained that further discussion of the urban forest was needed but emphasized that the current focus is on reducing GHG emissions from buildings. She stated that new project designs should provide options that exceed standard building practices while remaining within budget constraints.
When asked if the policy dictates specific features for new buildings, she clarified that it does not. Instead, designers must present options that achieve a 25% reduction in emissions compared to current standards. This could include solutions like triple-pane windows or improved insulation, which should not significantly increase upfront costs.
On Tuesday, the council was also presented with highlights of the 2025 proposed budget. Council budget deliberations are set to begin in the next several weeks.
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