Zibi’s new energy system is the only one in North America to use low-grade post-industrial waste
for the heating of its buildings and one of the few district energy systems (SEQ) not to use fossil fuels, declared the developer during the inauguration.
Zibi’s energy system is self-sufficient. The heating recovers heat from the effluents that come from the sanitary paper manufacturing process at the nearby Kruger plant, while the air conditioning system draws on the chilled waters of the Ottawa River.
A crazy project, says the mayor of Ottawa
I remember when Jeff [Westeinde, le président de Zibi] initially told me regarding this project. I thought that guy was crazy
joked Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson during a tour of the plant, located on the lower level of the Aalto residential rental building in Gatineau.
It’s a very innovative way to reduce our carbon footprint, it’s good for the environment and, moreover, it saves us money.
« We don’t burn anything! »
Jeff Westeinde indicated that the heating and cooling of the Zibi district will not emit any greenhouse gases (GHGs) and will reduce GES of 4420 tons each year.
The piping that makes up the central energy system of the Zibi district.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Christian Milette
Our system uses much less electricity and no gas at all
he said enthusiastically. It will generate energy for [des immeubles résidentiels et commerciaux qui représentent] an area of four million square feet. This is the equivalent of removing 1000 cars from the road.
It’s a relatively simple system to engineer, continued Mr. Westeinde, but it’s very complex to set up because of the number of partners involved in the project. There were days when we thought we’d never make it
he admitted.
The Zibi project’s carbon neutral heating and cooling system was made possible through a business partnership between Zibi, Hydro Ottawa and Kruger Products.
This project not only showcases the potential for innovation in the energy sector, but also how we can adapt our businesses, products and strategies to improve the lot of the planet through zero activities. net emission, zero waste and zero energy
said Bryce Conrad, president and CEO of Hydro Ottawa, in a statement.
Dream Unlimited President and CEO Michael Cooper said Zibi’s systema model for communities around the world on how to create innovative partnerships that help reduce the effects of climate change”,”text”:”is a model for communities around the world on how to create innovative partnerships that contribute to reducing the effects of climate change”}}”>is a model for communities around the world on how to create innovative partnerships that help reduce the effects of climate change.
The project received a $23 million loan from the federal government in April 2021.