City of Richmond: Alexandra District Energy Utility

Looking to a lower carbon future, the City of Richmond developed long term commitments to cut carbon emissions to 33% of 2007 levels by 2020.

Recognizing the promise of district energy, the City invested in a large ground source (geothermal) powered facility that now provides heating and cooling for nearly 1,200 residential units, and 30,000 square feet of commercial space.    This results in reductions of up to 800 tonnes of GHG annually – numbers that will only increase.  As development in the nearby community grows, another 1,900 units and 200,000 square feet are to be added in the next 10 years.  Even better, the project is self-financing, and will ultimately generate revenue for the City: Revenue which creates local jobs and keeps money spent on energy in the community.  Win-win-win!