Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia

Client: Public Services Procurement Canada

Architect: Lydon Lynch Architects

Certifications: -

Size: 400,000 sq. ft.

Project Budget: $50M

The Canadian Coast Guard College is an existing college campus which provides practical, technical, and theoretical training to students who will be responsible for the programs and services that contribute to the safety, security, and accessibility of Canada's waterways. The campus is comprised of twelve interconnected buildings.

M&R Engineering was retained by the Canadian Coast Guard College to provide Project Management, Engineering Design and Contract Administration services to upgrade the existing mechanical systems at the College that have reached the end of their working life. The scope of work included the following:

• A study to choose the type of HVAC systems which included Life-cycle costing.

• Replacement of dry type sprinkler systems in the residence complex and the Walter E. Foster Building;

• Upgrade of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems throughout most of the campus;

• Upgrade of electrical distribution system associated with the new mechanical equipment;

• New domestic hot water heaters/plants for plumbing systems; and

• New direct digital control building automation system.

Key facts:

• Seawater source Heat Pump plant provides space heating and cooling. The plant is piped to allow full heat recovery and electrifies the heating system preparing the building for a zero carbon future.

• Fan coil units and low temperature radiant heaters provide space heating and cooling.

• High efficiency heat recovery outdoor air units provide ventilation air and improve air quality.

• Pumps and air handling units are equipped with variable speed drives to allow for optimal soft start and load matching.

• A new ventilation system was added for a natatorium which recovers heat for pool and air heating.

• Renewable energy systems were added including a 30 panel solar thermal array for pool heating, a Solarwall Transpired Solar Collector and solar flowers (photovoltaic).

• Energy modeling forecasts a 25% reduction in annual energy costs, a 49% reduction in energy use a 21% reduction in annual carbon emissions (carbon savings will increase in the future with a cleaner electricity grid).