Summary
Expanding upon several phases of work with the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) in Ontario, Ameresco is transforming John Paul II Catholic Secondary School (JP II) into Canada’s first school to be retrofitted carbon neutral. This facility renewal project in partnership with LDCSB, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) marks a historic step in the country’s efforts to meet progressive climate change targets.
“Climate change is measured globally but felt locally. So we’re helping communities like London build a clean energy future, support local jobs and lower emissions.”
– The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada
1.1 MW
BESS Power Capacity
2.2 MWh
BESS Energy Capacity
25-year
Energy as a Service
Contracting Model
68%
Reduction in Baseline Energy Costs
625 kWp
Carport Solar Capacity
Customer Benefits
The project will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 277 tonnes annually to near zero – demonstrating how public school systems could make significant contributions to Ontario’s GHG reduction targets, while making schools a more comfortable place to learn and work. Find a deep dive for this project linked here.
- Utility cost savings
- Resiliency and security
- Enhanced building comfort
Solution
After completing a feasibility study that included innovative system design and integration, Ameresco enabled the John Paul II Catholic Secondary School (JP II) energy as a service project to generate its own energy entirely with on-site renewable sources. The project includes solar energy generation within a microgrid architecture controlled with assistance from energy storage. Load management of the school is now fully integrated into JP II’s building control system and includes automated load shedding capability. The technology suite allows JP II to operate in island microgrid mode for electrical quality and resiliency purposes and to participate in the IESO Administered Markets. It also future proofs the school by enabling the local distribution company to use the microgrid system as an energy supply resource within a potential distribution system operator market architecture. The project’s technologies include:
- Advanced geothermal heating and cooling with 117,460 feet of underground and system piping
- 2,706 solar panels as covered carports
- Four electric vehicle charging stations (three car & one bus)
- 1.1 MW / 2.2 MWh battery energy storage system
- Microgrid
- Integrated building controls
