Features Geothermal
Retrofit at PO office spells opportunity for geothermal, says CGC

Montreal – The proposed major retrofits for the Prime Minister’s official residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa represent an opportunity to revamp the building’s mechanical systems and to install a geothermal heat pump system for heating and cooling, the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition said in a news release.

“The Liberal Party Platform is clear on their intentions to lead by example by ensuring that the federal government increases its use of clean technologies to stimulate domestic demand for these products. The expected retrofits at 24 Sussex Drive represent a unique opportunity to showcase the knowhow of Canadian specialists for the design and the installation of GHP systems,” said Denis Tanguay, president and chief executive officer of the coalition. The installation of a GHP system in a house generates savings in the order of 40 to 60 per cent of annual heating and cooling needs. Over 125,000 systems are installed in Canada representing less than one per cent of the building stock.

“The potential for growth is enormous but it requires sustained efforts to promote the technology. The installation of a GHP system at 24 Sussex would represent an incredible promotional tool for this green technology and show government leadership,” Tanguay said.