ENERGY CONSERVATION AND
DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
July 1st, 2014
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Table of Contents
Introduction and Background............................................................................................................................................ 3
Current Energy Conservation and Demand Management Practices at Ryerson.......................... 4
Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan Context .............................................................. 7
Rising Energy Costs....................................................................................................................................................... 8
The Limitations of an Urban Campus ................................................................................................................ 9
Existing Facilities ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Continued Growth ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Regulatory Requirements...................................................................................................................................... 12
Energy Consumption and Cost ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Current Energy and Cost Profile – 2012.............................................................................................................. 13
Energy Trends, Forecast, and Intensity ............................................................................................................... 16
Energy Intensity................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Energy Goals............................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Energy Strategies and Actions......................................................................................................................................... 24
Energy Strategies............................................................................................................................................................... 25
Reducing Energy Use in Existing Buildings....................................................................................................... 26
Building Sub-Metering............................................................................................................................................... 27
Campus Renewal .......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Energy efficiency measures..................................................................................................................................... 31
Minimizing Energy Demand in New Buildings............................................................................................... 34
Sustainable Building Design Standard ............................................................................................................. 34
Improving campus energy supply.......................................................................................................................... 36
Chilled Water Plant and Distribution Upgrades ......................................................................................... 36
District Heating and Cooling .................................................................................................................................. 36
Alternative Energy Sources..................................................................................................................................... 36
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INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
With a campus located in the heart of downtown Toronto, more than 30 buildings,
approximately 40,000 students, and nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, Ryerson has a significant
energy footprint.
Ryerson University’s commitment to efficient energy management is manifested in several
ways. Firstly, the university is actively and aggressively working toward improving campus
facilities and operations such that energy use is reduced to a minimum. Ryerson also boasts a
strong research capacity with a distinguished faculty committed to studying and developing
solutions to the energy and environmental problems we face. Finally, the university offers
students leading academic opportunities related to energy and the environment alongside
innovative extracurricular opportunities designed to shape and prepare graduates to become
leaders in the face of the growing energy challenges of today and tomorrow.
Figure 1 – Ryerson University is home to just under 40,000 students, along with nearly 2,700 faculty and staff
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Current Energy Conservation and Demand
Management Practices at Ryerson
From an academic perspective, Ryerson researchers have been engaged in seeking
innovative solutions to energy challenges through innovative study and work on numerous
initiatives, such as the establishment of the Centre for Urban Energy, the Solar Buildings
Research Network, GeoCities Project, Home Micro Tri-Generation System, as well as many
others.
Centre for Urban Energy:
The CUE is an academic-industry partnership that tackles short and medium-term
energy challenges facing urban populations. The Centre for Urban Energy is exploring
and developing solutions to urban energy challenges such as the advancement of
smart grid technologies, energy policy and regulatory issues, energy storage, electric
vehicles, net-zero homes and renewables.
Figure 2 –At a recent open house, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Shivkumer Iyer explains his work involving
control and protection of urban microgrids at the Centre for Urban Energy
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Solar Buildings Research Network:
An academic-industry partnership that brings together 29 Canadian researchers
from 15 universities, experts from Natural Resources Canada, and Hydro-Quebec, the
network works to develop the smart net-zero energy homes and commercial
buildings of the future.
GeoCities Project:
Ryerson is working with the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and Hydro One Networks
Inc. to better understand and resolve these challenges. With industry partner
Autodesk, the researchers are creating a geo-mapping tool that simulates water and
soil conditions as well as earth energy system characteristics, to accurately predict
where and how a system will perform. In another GeoCities project with industry
partner CleanEnergy, Ryerson researchers will develop techno-economic analyses of
earth energy systems under different utility models to allow system developers to
balance their return on investment needs with energy consumers’ desires for
predictability in energy costs and provision.
Home Micro Tri-Generation System
Ryerson researchers are working on the development of a residential-scale energy
system fired by natural gas that will generate electricity and use the waste heat to
generate heating and hot water as well as air conditioning. Since it provides all of the
home’s essential energy services, it is called a “Micro Tri-Gen” system. The project is
supported by Union Gas Ltd., the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and
Renteknik Group, a green energy company located in Burlington.
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The University also offers an array of courses and degree programs focused on energy
conservation.
Building Science Program:
Is an interdisciplinary graduate program unique in Canada. It offers graduates of
building-related programs an opportunity to explore the building science principles
necessary to deliver sustainable buildings. The program provides high quality,
professionally relevant, graduate education for students considering careers in the
architecture, engineering and construction industry.
Certificate in Energy Management and Innovation:
Provides adult learners with an opportunity to acquire a level of knowledge and
expertise that will permit them to contribute effectively to energy management,
conservation, sustainability, and public policy governing this regulated sector; and to
energy innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities for
developing new energy technologies and business enterprises. This program has
been developed in cooperation with Ryerson’s Centre for Urban Energy. A number of
courses are now offered online.
Figure 3 – Ryerson offers a number of academic programs focused preparing our graduates to tackle current and
future energy challenges.
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Environmental and Urban Sustainability Program:
Gives students the opportunity to explore environmental and conservation issues,
particularly in relation to urban environments. Creating a sustainable future requires
understanding and working with our current urban spaces to construct a higher
functioning reality. This program approaches environmental and sustainability issues
from social and natural sciences, as well as from applied disciplines.
Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Management:
Provides conceptual, theoretical, historical, and practical frameworks for
understanding how society addresses sustainability issues, then uses these
frameworks to examine sustainability-related issues society faces today. The
program also offers a unique capstone course where learners have the opportunity to
integrate sustainability’s “Triple-Bottom Line” (TBL/3BL) or “People-Planet-Profit”
(PPP) approach – this being sustainable development’s interlinking of social,
economic, and environmental dimensions – by applying competencies and
knowledge acquired throughout the curriculum. Through three elective courses in
specialized streams of Natural Environment, Urban Environment, and
Socioeconomics of Sustainability, learners will be equipped with specific knowledge
pertinent to their personal goals or professional interests.
On the operations side, Ryerson has tracked energy use across its campus to understand how
and where energy is being used and has pursued energy efficiency programs for many years.
Ryerson has done much to reduce campus energy use and impact to date. However, these
efforts have largely been guided by general principles and specific policies rather than a
detailed plan.
Ryerson has been through one round of energy retrofits to ensure equipment runs as
efficiently as possible. We are looking again at ways of saving energy and promoting
responsible energy consumption at Ryerson. This plan in particular provides the framework
for Ryerson to tackle the many energy challenges that face the University as we continue to
grow and expand our campus, our programs, and our commitment to innovation.
Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
Context
The continued growth in campus energy demand and the University’s need for an affordable,
reliable supply of energy presents the opportunity for Campus Facilities & Sustainability to
develop an integrated energy plan that will systematically help offset rising costs and
increasing campus demand. This could be achieved by methodically generating reductions
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in energy consumption per square foot, gains in system-wide operational efficiencies, and the
construction of well designed, energy and resource efficient buildings.
This Energy Conservation and Demand Management (ECDM) plan was developed by
Ryerson University’s Campus Facilities & Sustainability (CF&S) department to meet the
requirements of Ontario Regulation 397/11. It will be used over the next five years to guide
Ryerson’s efforts to reduce campus energy consumption, operating costs and greenhouse gas
emissions.
CF&S is more generally responsible for ensuring campus has access to reliable utilities
services including electricity, heating, cooling, water, as well as sanitary and storm drainage.
Figure 4: Located in the heart of the City of Toronto, Ryerson is faced with unique challenges but also
opportunities for innovative energy solutions.
Rising Energy Costs
During the past few years, Ryerson has faced rising costs of natural gas, electricity, chilled
water, and steam, as well as increasing demands by new and renovated facilities. Together,
campus growth and increased energy costs have led to a more than doubling of energy costs
since 2000 (Detailed energy cost trends can be found in the next section).
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The Limitations of an Urban Campus
As an urban university located in the heart of Toronto, Ryerson’s ability to expand the
borders of its campus and produce renewable energy is limited. Management of energy use
at Ryerson certainly presents unique challenges, but also the opportunity to intelligently and
innovatively pursue creative energy solutions.
Creative problem solving at Ryerson
Lecture ‘Theatres’
In 2008, Ryerson struck a deal with AMC Theatres (theatre is now owned by Cineplex Entertainment)
that gave AMC “air rights” to build movie theatres over Ryerson’s Yonge Street parking garage. In
exchange, Ryerson is able to use 12 large cinemas on weekday mornings (8am until 1pm) and 4 on
weekday afternoons (1pm to 6pm) for the next 20 years. This will accommodate approximately 12,200
students and 260 classes over that period. Using ithe theatres when normally empty but still heated or
cooled, is a highly sustainable alternative to building new facilities.
Collaborative Research Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital
A 20-year partnership between Ryerson and St. Michael’s Hospital was announced in November 2013.
A key aspect of the partnership will be the creation of a new 22,000 square foot home at the Keenan
Research Centre for approximately 15 Ryerson faculty members and 40 Ryerson students. This
partnership will provide much needed laboratory space to an expanding Ryerson faculty, while utilizing
an unused portion of the Keenan Research Centre. Construction has begun as move-in is expected in
spring 2015.
This collaboration avoided the need to build a new facility or retrofit an existing space on campus,
making it a great example of the creative ways Ryerson has looked to expand boundaries while
minimizing energy and environmental impact.
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Existing Facilities
Ryerson University was founded in 1948. The oldest existing building on campus was built in
1848 (Oakham house). More than 50% of the buildings on campus are over 30 years old and
many are in need of renewal. Ensuring that aging campus infrastructure is energy efficient is
a continued challenge for Ryerson.
Figure 5 - Since being formed in 1948, Ryerson has expanded, and acquired many of the older buildings that
around it, including Oakham house, the oldest building on campus, which was built in 1848.
The size and date each of the buildings was acquired is shown in the table on the next page.
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Table 1: Ryerson University Buildings and Floor Areas
Building
Code
AMC
ARC
BKE
BKS
BND
Building Name
Building Address
Conditioned
Floor Area (ft2)
40,823
71,773
8,334
14,021
3,231
Date Acquired by
Ryerson
2008
1981
2008
1988
1860
6,870
7,127
5,211
1950
1960
10 Dundas Street East
325 Church Street
110 Bond St.
17 Gould Street
114 Bond Street
ILC
IMA
JOR
KHE
KHN
KHS
KHW
LIB
AMC Theatre
Architecture Building
110 Bond Street (rear)
Bookstore
114 Bond Street
G. Raymond Chang School of
Continuing Education
Co-operative Education
111 Bond St.
Centre for Urban Energy
George Vari Engineering and
Computing Centre
Erick Palin Hall
Research and Graduate Studies
Heidelberg Centre-School of Graphics
Communications Management
International Living/Learning Centre
School of Image Arts
Jorgenson Hall
Kerr Hall East
Kerr Hall North
Kerr Hall South
Kerr Hall West
Library Building
133 Mutual St.
122 Bond Street
380 Victoria St.
340 Church St.
43 Gerrard St. East
50 Gould St.
379 Victoria St.
350 Victoria St.
125,670
89,903
97,549
121,290
99,189
105,238
145,286
209,547
MER
MON
Mercantile Building
Monetary Times
155 Dalhousie St
341 Church St.
4,260
21,141
CED
COP
CPF
CUE
ENG
EPH
GER
HEI
MAC
OAK
OKF
PIT
PKG
POD
PRO
RAC
RCC
RIC
SBB
SCC
SHE
SID
THR
TRS
VIC
YDI
YNG
Mattamy Athletic Centre
Oakham House
O'Keefe House
Pitman Hall
Parking Garage
Podium
112 Bond St.
Recreation and Athletics Centre
Rogers Communications Centre
Ryerson Image Centre
South Bond Building
Student Campus Centre
Sally Horsfall Eaton Centre for Studies
in Community Health
School of Interior Design
Theatre School
Ted Rogers School of Management
Victoria Building
Yonge-Dundas
415 Yonge St.
297 Victoria Street
101 Gerrard St. E
111 Bond St.
147 Dalhousie St.
34,242
245 Church St.
209,165
125 Bond St.
26,640
87 Gerrard St. E
111 Gerrard St. E
125,454
27,605
2005
2004
1984
1950
2002
137 Bond St.
160 Mutual St.
300 Victoria St.
350 Victoria St.
112 Bond St.
40 Gould St.
80 Gould St.
122 Bond Street
105 Bond St.
55 Gould St.
7,380
221,056
120,324
192,003
2,753
44,807
118,638
58,679
35,279
1987
1953
1971
1960
1960
1960
1960
1974
2011
(Built in 1931)
1930
1929
1948
(Built in 1848)
1880
1991
1991
1971
1860
1987
1991
2012
2007
2005
302 Church St.
40 Gerrard St. E
575 Bay St.
285 Victoria St.
1 Dundas St. W
415 Yonge St,
32,524
24,455
186,694
114,419
31,974
25,022
1900
1941
2006
1930
2007
1980
50 Carlton St.
63 Gould St.
99 Gerrard St. E
196,700
18,444
65,611
2002
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Continued Growth
Ryerson is in the midst of the largest campus expansion in its history, with six new buildings
constructed since 2000, and another two buildings in development. The continued growth of
Ryerson’s building inventory puts increasing demand onto campus energy systems. The
design and building standards applied will have a large impact on the energy performance of
the campus. Minimizing the impact this growth has on the existing energy systems and on
campus’ overall footprint is essential.
Regulatory Requirements
The Province of Ontario has set a long-term conservation target of 30 terawatt-hours (TWh)
by 2032, representing a 16% reduction in the forecast gross demand for electricity. In order
to meet this target, they are relying on all organizations and community members to do their
part.
As part of Ontario’s Green Energy and Green Economy Act, Ryerson is required to annually
report on energy and greenhouse gas emissions, and to develop and publish an ECDM Plan
every five years.
Figure 6: With input from faculty, staff and students, the new Church Street Development will be the first building
that will have comprehensive sustainability goals that will include energy efficiency performance targets
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ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND COST
Current Energy and Cost Profile – 2012
The graph below provides a profile of campus energy consumption measured in equivalent
kilowatt hours for 2012.
Chilled
Water
2%
Natural
Gas
9%
Steam
31%
Electricity
58%
Total
Energy:
92,930,776 ekWh
Figure 7: Energy use breakdown by equivalent kWh (ekWh), and total GHG emissions in 2012
The four main sources of energy utilized at Ryerson are electricity, district steam, natural gas
and district chilled water. The total greenhouse gas emissions from energy use was 12,515
tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent
Ryerson’s primary heat source is steam, which is received at the edge of campus and
distributed throughout Ryerson’s buildings. Heat exchangers located in campus buildings use
the steam to heat air or water. Natural gas is used to heat some buildings on campus; its use is
limited primarily to local heating through rooftop units, water heating and other gas-fired
appliances.
Most buildings on campus are cooled through a district cooling system using chilled water
generated in the basement of the Library building. Heat exchangers across campus use the
water to cool air, which is then circulated through the buildings. Some buildings are cooled
through standalone cooling systems.
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Figure 8: Built in 2006, the Ted Rogers School of Management utilizes water
taken from Lake Ontario to cool the building
The Ted Rogers School of Business utilizes deep lake water cooling, supplied by Enwave
District Energy. This innovative technique cools air with extremely cold water taken from the
depths of Lake Ontario. Pipes reaching 5km into Lake Ontario bring cold water (4°C) from 83
meters below the surface of the lake, to the Toronto Island Filtration Plant, and then to the
John Street pumping station. It is here the coldness of the lake water is transferred through
heat exchangers to Enwave’s closed-loop chilled water distribution network, which is used to
cool the entire Ted Rogers School of Business space.
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Electricity is delivered by the Toronto Hydro Electric System and comes to each building on
campus from a variety of distribution points. Larger campus buildings have multiple entry
points and a dedicated switch gear. Many buildings are also supported by emergency
generators which can provide enough electricity to fuel emergency building systems and
sensitive research labs in the event of a power failure.
As shown in the graph, electricity makes up the majority of the energy usage on campus at
57%, district steam accounts for 32%, natural gas for 9%, and chilled water at the Ted Rogers
School of Business, makes up the remaining 2%. The creation of cold water for cooling by the
main district cooling system is run by a system of chillers, and electric pumps and motors
which is captured by electricity usage at the Library building.
Energy costs for 2012 totalled almost 12 million dollars; the graph below outlines the costs
related to each type of energy used at Ryerson. Electricity accounts for the vast majority of
energy costs incurred.
Energy Cost Breakdown -2012
Natural Gas
1%
Chilled Water
2%
Steam
28%
Electricity
69%
Figure 9: Energy Cost Breakdown for 2012
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Energy Trends, Forecast, and Intensity
The graph below depicts the trend in Ryerson’s annual energy consumption from 2000 to
2012.
Energy Consumption Trends 2000-2012
120,000,000
Energy Usage (ekWh)
100,000,000
80,000,000
60,000,000
40,000,000
2013
Chilled Water
2012
2011
2010
2009
Natural Gas
2008
2007
2006
Steam
2005
2004
2003
Electricity
2002
2001
-
2000
20,000,000
Total
Figure 10: Energy consumption trends in equivalent kWh (ekWh) (2000-2012)
*Note: Natural gas consumption was unavailable from 2002-2005
The overall increase in energy consumption over the past 12 years, can be attributed in part
to campus growth, where 11 new buildings were constructed, creating a total of just under
100,000 m2 of new floor area. Though the size of the campus has continued to grow since
2005, the growth in energy consumption has leveled off through the adoption of energy
conservation and efficiency upgrades, as well as the use of more efficient district heating and
cooling systems.
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Figure 11: Built in 2007, the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre was a part of the campus expansion
that has contributed to Ryerson’s rising energy demand and costs
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Following the increasing trend in Ryerson’s overall energy use, are related energy costs,
which rose until 2005 after which they levelled off.
Energy Cost Trends 2000-2012
$14,000,000
$12,000,000
Cost
$10,000,000
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
$4,000,000
Electricity
Steam
Natural Gas
Chilled Water
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
$-
2000
$2,000,000
TOTAL
Figure 12: Energy cost trends (2000-2012)
Energy is one of the most expensive commodities used on campus, and it is only expected to
become more costly as prices continue to increase. Utilizing a line of best fit to the cost data
available from 2000-2012, it is possible that Ryerson’s energy expenses could be as high as
18 million by 2020.
The data suggests that very soon, energy related costs could increase significantly for
Ryerson, and that an effective ECDM could be instrumental in working toward intelligently
offsetting these rising costs.
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Energy Intensity
When assessing energy use over time, examining energy intensity can be more telling than
looking at the absolute energy totals. Energy use intensity is the ratio of energy use relative to
another metric over time. For a university campus, the typical metrics chosen are gross floor
area of the campus and enrollment numbers. In order to accommodate more students, new
buildings have been developed within or added to a widening campus boundary. With more
spaces to service, energy usage has increased. By examining energy intensity based on both
gross floor area and the number of full time equivalent students, we can largely remove the
influence of campus growth and generate a more meaningful measure of energy use.
Figure 13: Over the last 15 years, enrollment at Ryerson has undergone tremendous growth which has almost
doubled since 2000.
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The graphs below display the total energy use intensity and the energy use intensity broken
down for each of Ryerson’s energy sources, both measures of equivalent kilowatt hours per
m2 and per full-time equivalent (FTE) student are displayed.
Energy Intensity - ekWh/m2
Energy Use Intensity (ekWh/FTE)
350
300
250
Electricity
200
Steam
150
Natural Gas
Chlled Water
100
TOTAL
50
0
Figure 14: Energy Use Intensity in ekWh/m2 from 2000-2012
Energy Intensity - ekWh/FTE
Energy Use Intensity (ekWh/FTE)
4500
4000
3500
3000
Electricity
2500
Steam
2000
Natural Gas
1500
Chlled Water
1000
TOTAL
500
0
Figure 15: Energy Use Intensity in ekWh/full time equivalent from 2000-2012
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The data shows that while energy use per square meter of gross floor area has shown an
increase of 12% since 2000, energy use per FTE student has gone down by 21% over the
same time period. The table below shows the comparison of consumption and energy use
intensity in 2000 and 2012.
Net Consumption
Energy Use
Electricity
Steam
Natural Gas
Chilled Water
ekWh per FTE/ year
ekWh per m2/ year
2000
2012
2000
2012
2000
2012
60,832,214 ekWh
92,930,776 ekWh
3859
3054 (-21%)
241
268 (+11%)
92,899,377 lb
103,579,106 lb
1650
953 (-42%)
103
84 (-19%)
32,979,810 kWh
178,178 m3
377,064 ton*
53,962,947 kWh
791,525 m3
1,789,226 ton
2092
117
31
1773 (-15%)
269 (+130%)
39 (+25%)
130
7
4
*Note: The consumption and intensity values for Chilled water start at 2006, not 2000
157 (+20%)
24 (+243%)
6 (+35%)
Table 2: Comparison between consumption and energy use intensity at Ryerson from 2000 to 2012
It is clear both increases in floor area and the student population have contributed to
increased energy use on campus. However, increased efficiency measures, more effective use
of existing space, and better building design have prevented energy use from increasing
proportionately. In addition, to accommodate the growing student base, Ryerson has
increased the use of leased spaces which are not sub-metered, so Ryerson is not billed
directly for energy use, which does not get contributed toward campus totals.
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ENERGY GOALS
Ryerson University is committed to effective energy conservation and management within all
of its facilities and further, to a campus-wide effort aimed to minimize environmental impact
without compromising the quality of the space and experience available to staff, faculty and
students alike. With an expanding campus that is home to a continuously growing number of
students, it may not be possible to reduce total energy use, although it is entirely possible to
set goals in relation to our energy use intensity.
Since many universities and colleges differ widely in size, both in number of buildings and in
student population, energy use intensity allows for meaningful comparisons to be made to
other universities and colleges. To measure energy use intensity we considered using two
metrics: Full-time equivalent (FTE) students and square meters of gross floor area. As a
metric, energy use per FTE student provides some indication of how efficiently we are
serving our campus population but many factors skew its accuracy. For example, each
student’s energy use will be different because they will make unique choices about how
much time they study on campus, the extra-curricular programming they may choose to
participate in and even whether or not they will live on campus. These and many other
factors will dramatically influence baseline energy use intensity before Ryerson’s energy
infrastructure and management efficiency is considered.
On the other hand, energy use per square meter of gross floor area was assessed to be a
much stronger metric for measuring Ryerson’s energy use intensity. Firstly, it is already very
commonly used among organizations and specifically academic institution. This lends to its
credibility and allows for simple benchmarking and comparison to be performed in the
future. Further almost all campus energy is used within buildings. In addition, the expansion
of Ryerson’s building inventory will have limited impact on the accuracy of this metric as it
specifically account for the total floor space on campus. Finally, further accuracy can be
attained if desired, by breaking down analysis based on the age of buildings and the
proportion of space dedicated to various types of operations (e.g. labs, lecture halls, etc.)
Since 2000, Ryerson’s energy intensity has grown by 12%. Increased enrollment, aging
buildings and equipment, and new buildings that were built without energy efficiency being a
top priority have all contributed to this. Ryerson is a campus that has undergone tremendous
change over the years and even now, continues to evolve. Buildings, classrooms, and the
students and staff that fill them have all grown, and transformed over the years. All of these
changes naturally increase the energy intensity of our buildings. Moving forward, it is still
unknown how the management, maintenance and development of the buildings on campus
will affect energy use, making it challenging to set a clear target for reducing energy use
intensity.
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Being that Ryerson is only about to begin implementing this ECDM plan, our understanding
of the variety of variables that influence energy use and our ability to capture reductions is
somewhat limited, diminishing our ability to set a meaningful energy use reduction target.
Through the implementation of this plan and the subsequent improvement of internal
infrastructure, data collected, management discipline and more, Ryerson will gain a much
stronger understanding of campus and building specific energy use. This will allow us to
confidently set meaningful and ambitious energy goals. For the present moment, Ryerson
will aim to maintain the current level of energy use intensity. We will do this by focusing on
our three main energy strategies, which are outlined in greater detail in the section to follow,
including:
1. Renewal and retrofit of existing buildings and equipment
2. Developing energy efficient new buildings
3. Transitioning our energy supply to lower impact and renewable sources
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ENERGY STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Ryerson’s ECDM plan is designed to be an evolving document that takes into consideration a
number of variable factors including current energy consumption, capital plans, available
funding for improvements, incentives from local utilities, energy and cost savings, building
occupant comfort, building and equipment age, and new technologies.
A number of initiatives are already underway at Ryerson that are summarized in the table
below:
Project
Exterior LED lighting retrofit – Phase 1
Smart irrigation system upgrade
Domestic cold water booster pump replacement
Instantaneous steam to domestic hot water installation
Replacement of all HVAC control dampers in Rogers
Communications Centre
Cooling coil replacement in Heidelberg Centre
Roofing upgrade for 285 Victoria
Exterior building restoration and efficiency upgrades to Mercantile
Building
Expected
Completion
July 2014
August 2014
September 2014
September 2014
July 2014
July 2014
Fall 2014
Spring 2015
The rest of this section outlines the energy strategies and actions Ryerson will set out to
achieve over the next five years and beyond.
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Energy Strategies
Understanding Ryerson’s current and projected energy needs, a balanced approach to
investing in opportunities related to energy demand and supply will help to develop a strong
energy plan. Ryerson’s ECDM plan prescribes the distribution of capital across the following
three strategies critical to the energy management equation:
Reducing energy use in existing buildings:
Ryerson has been monitoring and actively attempting to reduce energy use on
campus for some time. While the University has pursued a wide variety of energy
conservation initiatives, a continuance and expansion of these programs is a key
strategy
Minimizing energy demand in new buildings:
Given the University’s growth plans, construction of high-performance new buildings
to minimize the impacts of growth, is another key strategy. Ryerson will minimize the
energy intensity of new buildings by utilizing advanced technologies and building
construction techniques.
Improving the campus energy supply:
Since 2000, Ryerson has relied on a district heating and cooling system for the
majority of the energy used on campus. Utilizing steam provided by Enwave, and
chilled water, produced in the central plant located on campus, Ryerson has been able
to significantly improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the
energy the campus uses. However energy, which includes these sources, in addition
to electricity, and natural gas still account for Ryerson’s largest contribution of GHG
emissions. Continued examination of new energy sources that can increase efficiency,
assure reliability, keep costs contained, and reduce environmental impact is essential.
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Reducing Energy Use in Existing Buildings
Reducing energy use within existing buildings is central to any energy conservation plan. It is
also a formidable task. The following outlines key initiatives and strategies related to demand
side energy management of existing buildings at Ryerson.
Figure 16: A number of building energy efficiency upgrades or campus renewal projects have been identified
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Building Sub-Metering
Currently Ryerson lacks energy metering equipment required to track and measure the
energy performance of all facilities on an individual building basis. This makes it difficult to:
1) Identify and implement user-level conservation measures; 2) Evaluate the effectiveness of
energy conservation measures, and; 3) identify performance problems, caused by equipment
degradation or failure. Ryerson is working towards establishing building-level metering
across campus.
For electricity and natural gas, a number of meters exist on campus; however, there are many
meters which are shared between multiple adjacent buildings. The current metering for
electricity and natural gas has some buildings with individual building-level metering,
however, the plan is to add additional sub-metering to critical areas as Ryerson moves
forward. Even bigger a priority though, involves further sub-metering the district heating and
cooling systems.
Figure 17: The Ryerson School of Image Arts building shares an electricity meter with two other buildings on
campus, Victoria Building, and Heaslip House, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education
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Figure 18: Located in the basement of the Library building is the campus’s central chiller plant, where a series of
pumps, chillers, condenser pumps, and cooling towers generate cold water to cool the rest of the campus
The Ted Rogers School of Management building has its own steam and chilled water meters
to measure the steam and chilled water it receives from Enwave. For the rest of the campus
though, the total incoming steam to the campus is captured by a single meter; there is
currently no building-level steam metering system. For cooling, electricity is used to produce
chilled water in the basement of the Library building then distributed across the campus, and
there is currently no metering in place at the building level.
Installing sub-meters alone will not itself reduce energy use, greenhouse gases, or costs and
will require additional resources to manage. However, a thoughtfully designed sub-metering
program will generate data that will guide management strategies, shape operational and
investment decisions, provide insight into occupant interaction and comfort and ultimately,
result in significant energy-reduction.
Sub-meters are currently being installed to monitor the energy consumption and overall
production of chilled water on campus. This is a significant undertaking, but the sub-meters
will provide building level data and allow Ryerson to have an accurate view of each building’s
cooling load. Over the next five years Ryerson will continue to work towards installing submeters across campus.
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Campus Renewal
More than 50% of the campus building inventory is over 30 years old and requires significant
work toward the replacement/renewal of mechanical, heating, ventilating and air
conditioning (HVAC), and electrical equipment and systems. Ryerson looked to identify
systems that were in need of renewal which would also lead to significant energy
conservation on campus. When looking to replace aging equipment, Ryerson will choose the
products or solutions that provide the best value in balancing energy efficiency and cost.
Building Automation System Integration
Building automation systems are microprocessor-based computers that monitor and
control a range of building functions including heating, ventilating, air-conditioning,
refrigeration, lighting, fire and smoke alarms, utilities, elevators, access control, and
intrusion detection.
These systems are used in almost all buildings on campus. Ryerson has plans to integrate
building automation systems into the remaining buildings. Dramatic and lasting
conservation results will be achieved from this integration. The first phase of this plan has
already begun with the South Bond Building, originally built in 1912, which is expected to
have its automation system online by early 2015.
In order to improve the operation of the automation systems of existing buildings on
campus, Ryerson is also integrating, a comprehensive cloud-based building control and
monitoring system that will simplify the process of collecting real-time building data and
generate a single, integrated view of buildings and system operation. This investment
offers several additional advantages including the improvement of occupant comfort and
helping Ryerson to realize further savings through the optimization of equipment
scheduling during non-operating hours. Ryerson is currently in the first phase of this
integration, which will include three buildings on campus, with a phased integration
planned for the rest of campus.
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Figure 19: Originally built in 1912, and purchased by Ryerson in 2006, the South Bond Building is set to have a
building automation system installed, which will significantly improve the comfort and efficiency of the building
Photoluminescence Exit Signs
The Ontario Building Code, coming into effect in 2013 will require new construction or
large renovations to have graphical symbols for all new exit signs. Although not a
requirement for older buildings, eventually there will be a need to adapt all facilities to
the new code changes. For Ryerson, as older signs need to be retired or are damaged,
they will be replaced with photoluminescent, green running man signs. These signs do
not need any electrical input and are capable of storing photonic energy when exposed to
light (natural or artificial) and re-emitting it in darkness. As such, these signs are virtually
maintenance free.
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Energy efficiency measures
To enable Ryerson to achieve the goals of this ECDM plan, cost-effective energy efficiency
initiatives will be undertaken. In addition to energy savings potential, the initiatives taken
will also be selected based on other potential benefits related to occupant comfort,
equipment reliability, maintenance costs, and operational improvements. As Ryerson moves
forward, opportunities for new projects will be identified as a result of increased data
availability through our sub-metering plan, and building energy audits.
External Lighting Retrofits
External lighting on campus relies on high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps and ballasts,
typically in the form of high-pressure sodium or metal halide technology. HID lighting has
excellent light output that allows for use on the side of buildings and outdoor spaces
where security and safety is an issue. In recent years, LED technology has become
commonplace in new construction design, especially as building codes and regulations
continue to increase the required energy performance of new buildings.
There are three main benefits new LED technology offers over HID lighting:
o Better energy performance – LED alternatives consume up to 60% less then
HID lighting
o Longer lifespan – LED lighting has a ~50% greater lifespan than HID and;
o Better light control and quality – Modern LED fixtures provide better light
quality and better directional lighting control then HID lamps
Phase 1 of Ryerson’s planned retrofit has already been completed and over the next five
years, an additional $125,000 will be invested toward the retrofit of the external lighting
across campus.
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Figure 20: As part of the first phase of upgrades, new LED lighting fixtures have been installed on campus
including here at the Monetary Times building.
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Vending Machine Occupancy Sensors
A cold drink refrigeration unit consumes six-times more electricity per year than an
average residential refrigerator. Commercially available controls can be used to reduce
electricity use of each machine by an average of 40% annually. Occupancy sensors use
passive infrared technology to determine when the surrounding area is vacant, and
power down the machines to conserve energy when no one is around. Additionally, a
device is capable of:
• Monitoring room temperature and periodically re-powering a machine to
maintain the desired temperature;
• Detecting if the compressor is operating, and not powering down until it is done
running. This prevents the compressor from short cycling;
• Immediately powering up the machine if a customer approaches, when power
down mode;
• Helping the machine create less heat when lights and motors are powered down,
so the drinks contained stay cold.
Such sensors are compatible with all vending machines and glass-front coolers that
contain non-perishable goods. On campus, we have identified a number of machines
where these occupancy sensors will be installed. This is expected to reduce energy usage
and costs by at least 40%.
Life Cycle Cost Investments
All new construction projects and major facilities renovations will be guided by the
results of a life cycle cost analysis. Project budgets for new construction and major
renovations will have to support meeting the best overall life cycle investment.
Commissioning
All new facilities and major renovations will be commissioned. Commissioning provides
assurance that buildings and systems of new buildings are functioning the way they were
designed. Project budgets will also include the cost of commissioning. Ryerson recognizes
that some older buildings would benefit from this and efforts will be made where
practical, to re-commission or retro-commission existing buildings.
Energy Star Purchases
As an institution that seeks to lower its energy costs, university equipment purchases
should be Energy Star rated. Purchasing Energy Star-rated equipment will improve
Ryerson’s energy and financial performance while distinguishing the institution as an
environmental leader. Energy Star is a program helping businesses and individuals
protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The Purchasing Department
will assist in raising awareness of Energy Star products, providing resources for learning
about Energy Star, seeking Energy Star-rated equipment specifications, and including
Energy Star criteria in blanket/volume purchase agreements.
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Minimizing Energy Demand in New Buildings
Continued campus expansion calls for greater attention to energy demand reduction and
efficiency. With the development of 450,000 square feet in new academic facilities already
planned, it is imperative steps are taken to ensure new buildings are as energy efficient as
possible.
Sustainable Building Design Standard
Ryerson has developed and will continue to refine a customized campus-wide building
design standard that incorporates energy efficiency and sustainability best practices. The
purpose of the document is to ensure the impact of new buildings and facilities on campus is
minimized, while meeting the architectural, educational, research, outreach, and fiscal needs
of Ryerson, specifically. Some key design guidelines within the standard include:
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Energy and Water Efficiency Performance Requirements
Integrated Design Requirements
Utility Sub-Metering
Low-flow water fixtures
Energy Efficient Lighting
Building Envelope Design
This sustainability standard will not only apply to new buildings, but will also be used to help
guide the retrofit and improvement of existing buildings on campus.
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LEED Silver Buildings
Ryerson policy requires that all new buildings are to be designed to meet at least LEED-Silver
performance requirements, incorporating energy efficient building systems, innovative
approaches to building envelope design and other measures for reducing environmental
impact.
Figure 21: The new Student Learning Centre, which is currently under construction is expected to be completed by
early 2015 and has been designed to meet LEED-Silver performance requirements
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Improving campus energy supply
Along with strong new building efficiency standards and conservation measures for reducing
energy use in existing facilities, innovatively improving Ryerson’s energy supply is the final
key strategy within this ECDM plan. The following outlines the approaches Ryerson will take
toward ensuring the energy supply on campus is efficient, reliable and generates less
environmental impact.
Chilled Water Plant and Distribution Upgrades
The majority of the buildings on campus rely on district energy systems for heating and
cooling. This type of system is very cost-efficient because of economies of scale and the fact
new buildings no longer require individual gas-fired boilers or electric-powered chillers.
However, as the series of underground pipes and other infrastructure ages, the system
becomes less efficient due to issues like leaks. Besides the installation of additional cooling
capacity or maintenance and repair work, little has been done to increase the efficiency of the
system. Ryerson has identified a number of upgrades to the central plant and distribution
system that can be undertaken. These include measures to provide greater control over
chilled water distribution and delivery temperatures, which are expected to significantly
increase efficiency and reduce demand.
District Heating and Cooling
Currently five buildings on campus have independent, natural gas-fired, heating systems,
while eight buildings have independent cooling systems. As these heating and cooling
systems age and are in need of replacement, or when the cost of operating and maintaining
these systems becomes too great, the intention is to retrofit the buildings to also be fed by the
campus district heating and cooling systems. Ryerson has had studies completed to
determine the feasibility and costs of connecting additional campus buildings and will
continue to study this option going forward.
It is Ryerson’s policy to connect new buildings to its district heating and cooling systems. To
ensure this happens, Ryerson is currently researching the potential for increased access to
deep-lake water cooling and expanding district energy distribution systems to reach the
widening campus boundaries.
Alternative Energy Sources
In addition to deep-lake water cooling, Ryerson is also determining the feasibility of
additional alternative energy sources.