Energy Performance
We offer services in energy modelling, commissioning, energy accounting, energy studies, retro-commissioning, and building controls optimization
We are continuing to improve the energy performance of mechanical systems that are implemented in buildings to correspond with the progression of the BC Step Code. We believe in continued professional education to ensure we are up to date with technology and ensure the systems adhere to proper thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
Step Code Modelling – we can help you ensure that the energy efficiency of your new build meets all the requirements of the BC Building Code. We will work with you to help you understand the complexities of energy modelling and make informed decisions to help you achieve your operational, economic, and sustainability goals.
We provide Building Airtightness Testing or Blower Door Testing for existing buildings and new builds, including mid-construction testing and final testing.
Avalon also provides energy modelling and design input to achieve the energy efficiency criteria for all CMHC funding incentives.
Energy Efficient Design
The importance of forward thinking designs when it comes to mechanical engineering systems has never been more relevant.
At Avalon Mechanical, energy savings efficiency is an essential consideration for all of our projects. It is our goal to always look for energy efficient solutions and designs wherever possible, within the parameters of each project.
Avalon Mechanical is capable of tackling energy specific projects from simple to complex. We are recognized by both the US Green Building Counsel and the BC Green Building Retrofit Program and have taken a lead role of Accredited Professional and Commissioning Authority. We are also an approved Service Provider for BC Hydro’s Continuous Optimization Program for the recommissioning of DDC Systems, as well as being the only Canadian consultant on the team that developed the performance simulation software for the Model National Energy Code for Buildings.
Corporate Sustainability
Avalon also has a long standing commitment to sustainable practice in everything we do; both professionally and in our everyday lives.
The Victoria office of Avalon Mechanical is situated in a green building, which was built in 2007. It has an enhanced building envelope and building DDC system for superior building performance. The office does not use fossil-fuels, instead opting for higher efficiency by using heat pumps. By opening our Nanaimo branch, Avalon Mechanical has also been able to reduce it’s carbon footprint by assigning upper island projects to our team in Nanaimo, subsequently reducing travel required for site visits.
Avalon is also virtually paperless; opting for electronic systems, the use of tablets/portable technologies, and other alternatives to reduce our environmental impact. Most of our employees opt for alternative transportation via public transportation, bicycles, and electric vehicles, with less than 40% of staff driving combustion engine vehicles to and from work. We also recently welcomed a Nissan Leaf into the company fold; a fully electric vehicle used for company related travel to and from sites, further reducing our carbon footprint.
Project Highlights
Avalon Mechanical has completed a range of energy specific energy-focused projects in addition to our various other Mechanical Engineering system designs that incorporate different levels of energy saving features.
We are involved in a variety of energy-specific projects that include residential buildings, government buildings, restaurants, and universities with the goal of achieving specific energy and greenhouse gas savings. We are currently involved in the Energy Modelling of an in-progress residential building in Victoria, and we have completed other Energy Modelling projects up to Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code. Our firm was the LEED Cx Authority for all three phases of Capital Park, a LEED Platinum certified development, and we conducted Power Smart Energy Studies of all buildings connected to the Legislative District Energy Plant. We have worked on over 50 LEED projects to date and look forward to working on yours.
Avalon Mechanical has a long history of performing energy modelling for a variety of criteria, including LEED compliance, NECB compliance, Green Globes, and BC Building Code Step Code compliance. The following is a summary of our capabilities in this field.
Avalon Mechanical provides energy modelling services for both Part 3 and Part 9 buildings to achieve the requirements of the building code and other high-performance building accreditations. The energy modelling team members are mechanical designers themselves; as a result, their knowledge of the mechanical systems they are modelling are in-depth and accurate. Avalon has a long history in both mechanical design and energy optimization within buildings.
Our Energy Services in Detail
Energy Modelling
With the introduction of the BC Energy Step Code into the BC Building Code, Energy Modelling is becoming a standard requirement of building designs in many municipalities. Energy Modelling is the best tool to quantify and optimize the energy performance of your project, and Avalon Mechanical brings the experience and team you want, to ensure your project’s energy goals are met.
Comissioning
As a qualified commissioning authority, Avalon Mechanical provides commissioning services for new and existing buildings, including LEED designated projects. Starting from the initial design stage, through construction, and to completion, our team will be there every step of the way, ensuring your project’s energy and sustainability expectations are met.
Energy Accounting
Avalon Mechanical provides tracking/recording of your facilities’ energy and power use, and the associated costs. Having clear energy accounting information is the base foundation of an energy management initiative.
Energy Studies
Avalon Mechanical has completed hundreds of large-scale energy studies and has implemented a wide range of successful, conventional, and renewable energy upgrades. Our team will bring experience and expertise to your project, providing innovative solutions for reducing operating costs and increasing occupant comfort and productivity. Avalon is also an approved PowerSmart and Fortis energy study consultant.
Retro - Commissioning
Avalon Mechanical provides retro-commissioning services for existing buildings. The process involves testing and analyzing the operation of the building’s mechanical controls and lighting systems to optimize energy use and GHG emission reductions, increase system life expectancy, and improve comfort and indoor air quality performance.
Building Controls Optimization
Avalon Mechanical is an approved service provider for BC Hydro’s Continuous Optimization Program. We provide evaluation and design for new and existing building controls, to ensure controls are operating for energy efficiency and for occupant comfort and productivity.
