Beaumont completes new energy-efficient upgrades

BEAUMONT -- The City of Beaumont has completed an energy efficiency project at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre.

According to the municipality, the project saw eight aging furnaces replaced with new high-efficiency models to improve comfort, save energy, and reduce emissions. Ryan Orlovsky, Manager of Utility and Facility Operations, says the upgrades will benefit both the City and its residents.

"The new furnaces will make improvements to the filtration system, so they will be providing cleaner air in the building as well," said Orlovsky. "These upgrades will maintain comfort for everyone, all the building users."

Orlovsky says that the original furnaces, installed in 2001, were reaching the end of their lifespan and in need of replacement. The new models now heat the lobby, change rooms, and curling areas of the facility. He says the move aligns with Beaumont's vision to make the City's facilities more cost-effective while lowering carbon emissions.

"Part of the reason that we're replacing this is for our ongoing commitment to improve our community spaces, to make them more energy efficient and sustainable," said Orlovsky in conversation with 93.1 The One. "The new furnaces will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

He notes that the upgrades are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 41 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and save about $8,000 in energy costs by reducing natural gas consumption by roughly 820 GJ. The project was funded by the Government of Alberta through their Municipal Climate Change Action Centre's Community Energy Conservation Program.

"The Ken Nichol Centre is part of everyday life in Beaumont," said Orlovsky. "Whether it’s hockey games, curling or community events, people spend a lot of time here. It feels good to know these upgrades will keep the building comfortable and efficient for everyone who walks through the doors."

The City of Beaumont says the savings from this project will help reduce future operating and maintenance costs and support Beaumont's ongoing efforts to make community spaces efficient, reliable, and welcoming.