District Energy Receives Council Support for a More Eco-Friendly Future
Vaughan Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Vaughan, has approved the creation of a district energy business with a focus on reducing energy consumption in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.
“Environmental stewardship and sustainability are a core theme and vital in today’s business world. The use of district energy will only serve to strengthen Vaughan as a city of choice for doing business,” said Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Chair of Vaughan Holdings Inc. “District energy is a first for the City of Vaughan and is another example of our leadership when it comes to energy conservation and creating healthier communities.”
District energy systems utilize a central facility for the production of residential and commercial heating and cooling. District energy is ideal for compact development where high demands for energy can be best served by one central location, increasing energy efficiency and reliability, and reducing overall energy consumption.
As part of Green Directions Vaughan, the City of Vaughan’s Community and Environmental Master Plan, a Vaughan District Energy Feasibility Study was conducted to evaluate opportunities for developing a district energy system in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, the City’s planned downtown development. The study also identified other areas that have the potential to benefit from district energy systems, including an 87-acre site owned by the City that is intended for a new hospital.
“The City of Vaughan is committed to being a sustainable community,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “District energy systems have the potential to improve our residents’ quality of life through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and support economic growth and development by providing a competitive edge when it comes to attracting new business and investment.”