Feds, City of Vancouver collaborate on central library energy upgrades – Journal Of Commerce

VANCOUVER – The federal government and City of Vancouver are putting a combined investment of more than $5.9 million towards energy efficiency upgrades at the Vancouver Public Library’s (VPL) central library in Library Square in the city’s downtown core.

The library is replacing the current cooling systems with new heat pumps and energy recovery equipment to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve overall comforts for patrons and staff, a release said.

“Vancouver’s Central Library is an iconic landmark, drawing visitors from near and far to its doors. With this contribution from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, we’re championing sustainability providing patrons with a world-class experience,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement.

The federal government is investing $2.3 million in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and the City of Vancouver is contributing $3.5 million, the release said.

The improvements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 11.1 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 167 tonnes annually.