In 2024, the Calgary Public Building was connected to the downtown district heating network. This replaced the building’s on-site heating system.

District heating provides heat to several different buildings from one central energy source. Because of this, each building does not need its own heating system. This lowers upfront costs and reduces ongoing maintenance costs.

• Connected the Calgary Public Building to the downtown district heating network in 2024
• Uses one shared energy system to lower capital and maintenance costs

Reducing emissions and saving energy

The Calgary Public Building will use energy more efficiently. It will also produce fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lower energy costs over the life of the contract.

The timing of this upgrade was important. The building’s old boiler system was close to the end of its life and operated at about 75 per cent efficiency. Calgary District Heating guarantees a minimum efficiency of 80 per cent, with typical performance above 85 per cent. This helps the building use less energy overall.

How district heating works

High-efficiency natural gas and electric boilers heat water at a central plant. At the same time, a combined heat and power system captures heat that would otherwise be lost. This heat is used to create both electricity and thermal energy.

The heat is delivered through the district energy system. The electricity is either used on site or sent to the power grid. Using waste heat in this way makes the system more efficient.

Calgary District Heating is exploring new fuel options. These include blending hydrogen or switching fuels in the future. These changes could further reduce emissions for connected buildings.

The project received $2,442,000 from the Centralized Climate Fund. This funding helps cover capital costs tied to climate outcomes.

This project was supported by the Centralized Climate Fund (CCF). The fund supports City and Civic Partner projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or help lower climate risks.