Dept. of National Defence eyes energy efficiency with innovative program

The upgrades include lighting retrofits, heat source modernization and buildings improvements

OTTAWA—Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) is launching energy efficiency upgrades on seven military bases with the help of an innovative investment program that requires no upfront cost to taxpayers.

Unlike typical procurement contracts, the government’s Energy Performance Contract program finances upgrades through future cost savings. The DND will use the program to carry out a range of upgrades at its Greenwood, Cold Lake, Esquimalt, Trenton, Shilo, DRDC Valcartier and Alert bases. The winning bidders will finance the $5 million to $25 million energy efficiency projects themselves, being repaid by the government from the energy cost savings over a five to 15 year period.

“These green initiatives at Canadian Armed Forces bases demonstrate this government’s commitment to work towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy,” Harjit Sajjan, Canada’s Defence minister, said. “While bringing significant savings to taxpayers, these initiatives will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, and take action against climate change.”

With contracts for six of the seven projects already launched, the DND plans to save $14 million in energy costs annually by the time the upgrades are completed. The retrofits will range from lighting upgrades, modernization of heat sources and controls, and improvements to buildings.

The DND first launched the Energy Performance Contract program in 1993 and has completed a total of 25 projects under the program.