Energy efficiency upgrades to come at City facilities as part of broader climate retrofit program

At an event hosted at the Ottawa Public Library’s (OPL) Carlingwood branch, the City announced today that several facilities will receive retrofit upgrades this fall.

Since 2023, the City has invested between $3.5 to $4 million annually in efficiency upgrades, leveraging internal capital and external incentives. These retrofits have helped reduce emissions by approximately 1,200 tonnes of C02 a year and cut operating costs by $300,000 annually.

OPL’s Carlingwood branch is the latest facility to be receiving upgrades, aimed to help improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs and offset greenhouse gas emissions produced by the City. Once complete, the retrofits are expected to reduce emissions by 31 tonnes of C02 annually. Planned retrofits at the branch include: converting the whole building to LED lighting and replacing the existing boiler with four hybrid heat pump units, installed on the rooftop and in the basement.

Other upcoming and ongoing retrofits across the city include:

• Installing rooftop solar panels at City Hall, Charles Sim Municipal Workshop Complex and Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans
• Replacement of a natural gas fired dehumidification unit at Cardel Recreation Centre with a new, electric desiccant dehumidifier. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27 tonnes of C02 annually.
• Upgrading the soon-to-be obsolete Building Automation System at Carleton Lodge Long-Term Care Facility with a new digital system that will allow the building to be controlled with more efficiency, reducing C02 emissions by 81 tonnes annually
• Replacing windows at Fire Station 23 with LiteZone windows, reducing C02 emissions by 12 tonnes annually

“When we talk about City buildings, we’re really talking about the spaces people rely on every day. Libraries are part of those spaces and should work well for the people who use them. That means they should be efficient, comfortable, and well-maintained. These upgrades help us do exactly that. They improve how our buildings operate, reduce emissions, and lower costs so more resources can go back into services for residents. This is about investing in improvements that make a difference in people’s daily lives.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

“Libraries are among the most important community spaces we have. They are places where residents of all ages can learn, connect, explore new ideas, and unlock their potential. Investing in our branches is an investment in literacy, lifelong learning, and the future of our communities. The Ottawa Public Library Board appreciates the continued commitment to helping enhance our library spaces, including improvements that make them more comfortable, accessible, and energy efficient for both residents and staff. This branch has already benefited from important upgrades, including the permeable parking lot completed in 2024, and these continued investments help ensure it remains a welcoming space for the community for years to come.”

Councillor Matthew Luloff, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board

“This year alone, the City will deliver 57 heat pumps and 26 lighting projects in city buildings to reduce emissions and achieve operational savings. Staff are also doing significant work to draft a Building Retrofit Strategy. I look forward to reviewing that strategy next year and continuing to support next steps in moving our buildings towards net zero. These retrofit upgrades at the Carlingwood library are another exciting step toward these goals.”

Councillor Shawn Menard, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee 

“These retrofit upgrades at the Ottawa Public Library’s Carlingwood branch will significantly reduce emissions while improving comfort and reliability for residents who depend on it. I’m proud to see this welcoming space become an even greener part of our community.

Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, Bay Ward