Through Canada's Defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Department of National Defence (DND) is reducing its carbon footprint by improving the energy efficiency of infrastructure at bases and wings across Canada.
On behalf of Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, Richard Hébert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, today announced the award of a $12-million energy performance contract at 3 Wing Bagotville. The project will see 60 buildings upgraded with energy efficiency measures to provide our women and men in uniform with sustainable and efficient facilities in which to work and train.
These upgrades will lower annual energy costs by about $470,000, or 19 percent. They also support the government's low-carbon goal by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 2,500 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking more than 500 cars off the road.
"Our government's investment in energy performance upgrades at 3 Wing Bagotville will ensure that our Canadian Armed Forces members have modern, and green spaces to work and train. 3 Wing Bagotville plays a key role in the defence of both Canadian and North American airspace. Ongoing infrastructure projects at the Wing will help to improve our capabilities in support of our ongoing NORAD and NATO commitments."
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
"This $12-million investment in green infrastructure upgrades will create economic opportunities for surrounding communities and support green job creation. Energy performance contracts are a great example of how greening our infrastructure can provide economic benefits for the community, create significant long-term cost savings for Canadians, and help us to meet our climate objectives."
Richard Hébert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion
Quick facts
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The contract for energy upgrades and retrofits at 3 Wing Bagotville was awarded to Johnson Controls Canada.
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Energy retrofits at 3 Wing Bagotville will include new LED lighting, improved insulation, and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.
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Similar contracts are in development for bases in Alert, Comox, Borden, Trenton, Shilo, Kingston, Halifax, and Gagetown. In addition to Bagotville, projects are underway at Greenwood, Valcartier, Esquimalt, and Petawawa.
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Through these contracts, a company is hired to pay for and carry out an energy retrofit project at a base or wing. The money saved in energy costs is then used to pay the company back over a five- to 15-year period, which minimizes the up-front costs to the taxpayer, and guarantees that the upgrades produce savings.
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As of 2017-18, DND lowered its greenhouse gas emissions by 31% from 2005 levels (excluding military fleets), and is on track to reach the federal target of 40% by 2030.
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Defence Construction Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada are DND's partners in procuring the services of energy services companies to modernize and green defence infrastructure.
