City of Richmond

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The story

"For us, Power Smart makes good business sense. It reduces our operating costs and improves our facilities for both employees and residents."

— Malcolm Brodie, Mayor, City of Richmond

The situation

The City of Richmond is a unique island city comprised of Sea Island, most of Lulu Island and 15 smaller islands located in the mouth of the Fraser River. Richmond experienced significant growth in the early 1990s and is now home to 165,000 people. The City is a growing urban centre with a mix of residential and commercial property, agricultural lands, industrial parks, waterways and natural areas.

Like other municipalities in B.C. and across Canada, Richmond is constantly looking for ways to reduce its operating costs while increasing and improving the services it provides to residents. Ever since BC Hydro's Power Smart initiative was launched in 1989, City officials have recognized the potential of energy efficiency to control energy costs, and have worked with BC Hydro to manage Richmond's energy consumption.

The initiatives

As B.C.'s only municipal Power Smart Certified Customer, the City of Richmond continues to set an example of how to integrate energy efficiency into a municipality's operations. Led by a sustainability commitment at the highest level, Richmond follows a broad-based plan to achieve continuous improvement. Its key elements:

Upgrade existing buildings, and operate all buildings and equipment for maximum efficiency

This past year the City undertook a major mechanical and lighting retrofit of Richmond Ice Centre. Low-e ceilings were installed on all six ice rinks to reduce ice radiant heat gains and to improve the reflectance of visible light thereby increasing the efficiency of the lighting system. Six new brine pump pony motors reduce the use of the large brine pumps. Lighting changes include conversion to LED exit signs, replacement of incandescent pot lighting with CFLs, T12 to T8 fluorescent lighting retrofit and installation of occupancy sensors in changing rooms.

Ensure that new buildings are designed and built to higher standards

Hamilton Fire Hall, one of two new fire halls being designed and constructed under Richmond's new high-performance building policy, is incorporating a host of energy efficiency and sustainable features. It will attempt to achieve LEED Gold certification, a first in the province for a fire hall.

Aim high – then do more

In 2005, the City's top managers from a wide range of departments participated in BC Hydro's One-2-Five® Energy workshop to see what they could do to improve Richmond's energy management plan. They pledged to take every opportunity to help the City reach its goal of a 15% overall electricity reduction earlier than the promised four years.

Get employees and residents involved through education and outreach.

Partnering with Richmond School District, the City put on "Project Wet" to teach children the importance of water quality and conservation. In addition, Power Smart Outreach representatives helped to profile the conversion of Richmond's seasonal lighting display to LED lighting and educate the public on energy-efficient lighting.

The benefits

More efficient operations

The Richmond Ice Centre upgrades, have cut the facility's energy use by 18%, saving nearly $26,000 each year. Richmond also achieved savings through operational improvements.

Improved comfort

Improvements to lighting and energy systems have resulted in better quality lighting and a more comfortable environment for members and visitors to the Richmond Ice Centre.

Increased awareness

Involving city staff and residents through education and outreach increases awareness of the choices they can make and the importance of energy conservation.

Contact us

Find out how Power Smart can energize your bottom line. Call us today at 604 453 6400 in the Lower Mainland or 1 866 453 6400 elsewhere in B.C.