Net-Zero Construction for the Canadian Climate Sifton Residential Case Study
The Challenge
Net-Zero Construction for the Canadian Climate: Sifton Residential Case Study
West 5 is a 70-acre, fully sustainable mixed-use development under construction in London, Ontario with a vision for 100% energy efficiency. Featuring commercial spaces, townhomes, condos, apartments, retirement residences, interconnected walkways, trails and open green spaces, the community has something for everyone.
Developed by Sifton Properties, West 5 is designed to generate all the energy it uses and is being built on an energy-producing smart grid. For phase 2 of the residential townhome construction, which took place between 2019 and 2020, all units were being built to the specifications of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Net-Zero Labelling Program.
Because there would be no natural gas as it’s a less efficient energy source, the townhomes required an electric HVAC system that was extremely efficient even in extreme-cold Canadian temperatures. Other considerations were integrated controls and quiet operation since the units’ amenity areas like decks and patios are quite close together.
The Solution
This net-zero project posed challenges that would not be satisfied by traditional heating systems, so a Mitsubishi Electric HVAC system was selected. It was an upgrade from the system used in the first phase of the townhome project from another supplier, which was an electric furnace with a split cooling coil and condenser.
“The previous product proved not to be a true cold climate heat pump and was inefficient in the winter. It wasn’t reliable and required a lot of servicing right from the start,” Toby Stolee, Director of Housing Operations, Sifton Properties
This meant that cold climate performance was top of mind for Sifton when selecting an HVAC solution for phase 2.
“We selected Mitsubishi Electric first and foremost because of the energy efficiency and the fact that the heat pump is a true cold-climate unit that performs and maintains a high level of efficiency throughout winter,” Toby Stolee, Director of Housing Operations, Sifton Properties
Part of the Zuba family of Mitsubishi Electric products, the centrally ducted cold climate air source heat pump system chosen features 100% output at -15°C, which is substantially better than the previous product in phase 1.
“I have nothing but good things to say about Mitsubishi Electric. This project used some of the easiest equipment we’ve installed – the setup was simple and we haven’t had any issues with the heat pump kicking in, even in extreme freezing temperatures. Even tech support has been great, always answering our questions promptly and talking us through whatever we needed.” Brent Weber, Air Conditioning Mechanic & Supervisor, Design Heating Systems Inc.
The Results
The Mitsubishi Electric HVAC system is extremely energy efficient, allowing Sifton to meet their net-zero certification goals. Stolee confirms that the townhome units from phase 2 are more energy efficient than those from phase 1, which he attributes to the change to Mitsubishi Electric HVAC equipment. The developer has also had very good feedback from the end-users in terms of comfort and quiet operation.
“Builders like Sifton are leading the way in designing, developing and constructing communities that are more energy efficient than typical code-built homes, providing a healthier environment and lowering Ontario’s overall carbon footprint,” Shannon Bertuzzi, Vice President of Market Development, EnerQuality
“As a true net-zero project, we require an electric HVAC system that is extremely efficient and allows us to meet our sustainability targets.” Toby Stolee, Director of Housing Operations, Sifton Properties
Summary
Developer/Building Owner: Sifton Properties
Distributor: Mits Airconditioning Inc.
HVAC Contractor: Design Heating
Location: London, Ontario
Industry: Residential
Size: 72 townhomes
Challenges:
Create net-zero townhomes that have efficient cooling and heating even in freezing Canadian temperatures.
Selection Criteria:
- Net-zero construction
- Extremely efficient HVAC
- Superior cold climate performance
- Quiet operation
- Integrated controls
- Reliable with low maintenance
Design/Engineering Solution:
20 x 1 ton and 52 x 1.5 ton Cold Climate systems with centrally ducted vertical air handling units
Results:
- More energy-efficient units than previous phase
- Very good end-user feedback on comfort and low noise
- Efficient heating at winter design temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a cold-climate heat pump support net-zero townhome construction?
A high-efficiency electric cold-climate heat pump can reduce the energy required for space heating and cooling as part of a broader net-zero design. For the West 5 phase 2 townhomes, the selected Mitsubishi Electric Zuba system provides 100% output at -15°C and was chosen to support the project’s net-zero certification goals.
Why is quiet HVAC operation important in townhome developments?
Townhomes often have outdoor amenity areas such as decks and patios located close to neighbouring units and HVAC equipment. Selecting quieter equipment can help maintain occupant comfort while still providing efficient year-round heating and cooling.
What should be considered when choosing HVAC for net-zero homes in a Canadian climate?
Key considerations include energy efficiency, reliable cold-climate performance, integrated controls, quiet operation and low maintenance. These factors were central to the HVAC selection for the West 5 phase 2 townhomes in London, Ontario.