The latest addition to Winkler's downtown skyline was recently recognized for its high standard of energy efficiency.
The eight-storey Buhler Active Living Centre (BALC) has officially earned Manitoba Hydro's Power Smart designation, boasting a number of energy saving features including low-flow water fixtures, LED lighting systems with occupancy sensors, heat recovery ventilators and high levels of the roof and wall insulation, including triple pane PVC windows.
"These guys were certainly willing to work with us... as was the design team and architects," Power Smart Program Coordinator Sean Madden says. "Ultimately it's to the benefit of all Manitobans that we have energy efficient buildings."
Estimates peg annual energy bill savings at $15,000 while reducing 261 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year (the environmental impact equivalent of taking 55 cars off the road).
Madden explains Manitoba Hydro always looks to reward building projects for going above and beyond minimum standards.
"This building in particular anticipated the incoming Manitoba Energy Code for buildings... consequently it's saving $15,000 per year," Madden says.
Manitoba Hydro pays a $95,900 New Buildings program incentive for achieving all energy saving requirements.
He says more and more building projects are participating in the program across the public and private sectors.
"It's the most responsible thing to do," BALC Executive Director Mike Chute says. "It also gives us a building that's better than code and is going to have a cost saving for years in energy prices... it made sense all the way around."
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