Optimizing Building Systems for Energy and Carbon Reduction
GDI Ainsworth’s targeted HVAC and pumping upgrades that transformed energy efficiency at a Vancouver mixed-use tower.
Project Details
Location
Vancouver , Canada
Number of Buildings
1 - 270,000 ft² mixed-use facility
System Implemented
HVAC and pumping system optimization, VFD fan retrofits, chilled water system reconfiguration, and control upgrades aligned with BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program
Project Goal
Improve overall energy performance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operating costs
Impact at a Glance
Reduced electricity consumption by approximately 35,000 kWh per year
Lowered greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 80 tonnes of CO₂ annually
Delivered $41,500 in annual energy cost savings
Achieved a simple payback of 3.2 years with BC Hydro incentives
Challenge
The building’s chilled water and air-handling systems were operating on constant-volume control strategies designed for peak retail demand, resulting in excessive pumping energy, chilled water blending, and unnecessary electrical consumption. Additionally, constant-speed return fans created negative pressure conditions on multiple floors, driving further inefficiencies. Burrard International Holdings required a solution that could improve performance while aligning with BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program requirements.
Methodology
Assessed chilled water distribution, pumping strategies, and air-handling performance
Identified inefficiencies caused by constant-volume operation and system blending
Evaluated pressure imbalances and fan control limitations
Designed targeted ECMs aligned with Power Smart program criteria
Implemented solutions focused on controllability, turndown, and after-hours optimization
Solution
Added control valves to allow chilled water flow modulation
Reduced chilled water pump speed during after-hours operation
Implemented minimum-flow operation after 6:00 p.m.
Re-routed chilled water piping to eliminate return-to-supply blending
Retrofitted supply and return fans with VFDs
Enabled fan systems to maintain pressure setpoints at 50% of design airflow
Optimized system sequencing to reduce pumping demand and electrical load
The Ripple Effect
Lower operating costs free capital for reinvestment across the property portfolio
Reduced carbon emissions support broader sustainability and decarbonization goals
Improved system controllability enhances long-term asset performance
Incentive-aligned upgrades provide a replicable model for future retrofits
