Vancouver Cancer Centre
 

Project Overview

Client: ​​Provincial Health Services Authority

Sector: ​​Healthcare

Service Type: Energy Study, Decarbonization Plan, & Mechanical Design

Project Summary

First Light Energy collaborated with the PHSA to implement a heat recovery retrofit project. The initiative aims to drastically reduce the facility's steam consumption and GHG emissions while ensuring uninterrupted operation. This project exemplifies the healthcare sector's shift towards sustainable energy practices, aligning with broader environmental goals.

The Challenge

The Vancouver Cancer Centre faced the dual challenge of significantly reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining continuous, reliable operations in a high-stakes healthcare environment. The need to install a sophisticated heat recovery system within the constraints of an existing mechanical infrastructure added further complexity to the project.

The Solution

Heat Recovery Upgrade

First Light Energy designed a state-of-the-art heat recovery system that integrates seamlessly with the existing high-temperature hot water system. This system is expected to save 14,000 GJ of natural gas annually, contributing to a significant reduction in GHG emissions by 700 t CO₂e per year.

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Efficient Design and Implementation

Despite the constraints of the existing mechanical room and roof, First Light Energy executed a retrofit plan that maintained continuous facility operation. The project’s phased approach ensured no disruption to patient care, with careful coordination among multiple user groups and ongoing construction projects.

Integrated Systems and Decarbonization

By centralizing multiple passive heat recovery loops and implementing a high-lift water-to-water heat pump, the project successfully transitioned the facility’s high-temperature heating loads to a more sustainable source. This innovative design not only facilitates a 50% reduction in steam usage but also enhances cooling system resiliency by pre-cooling the main chilled water return line.

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Performance Commissioning and M&V

Beyond immediate energy savings, the project included Measurement and Verification (M&V) and ongoing commissioning to ensure the system continues to meet performance targets while supporting future facility expansion.

Projected Results of the Study