Case Study: Great Lakes Forestry Centre achieves 34% utility cost reduction and $399K+ annual energy savings with Ameresco

Energy Reduction and Facility Renewal Program Reduces Utility Costs by 34%

The Great Lakes Forestry Centre (Natural Resources Canada), a 22,505 m² mixed‑use research facility with laboratories, offices, greenhouses and environmental chambers, faced rising utility costs and aging building systems that affected operations and occupant comfort. Ameresco was engaged to deliver an Energy Reduction and Facility Renewal Program (a performance contract/energy efficiency project) to reduce energy use and modernize infrastructure without disrupting day‑to‑day activities.

Ameresco completed a feasibility study and implemented comprehensive upgrades — mechanical and HVAC improvements, building automation enhancements, fume hood VAV retrofits, new chillers and variable flow pumping, LED lighting, heat recovery with heat pumps, greenhouse optimization, MCC upgrades, washroom and interior improvements, and environmental chamber consolidation. The Ameresco project achieved a 34% reduction in utility costs, more than $399,000 in annual energy and water savings, and 558 tonnes CO2 avoided annually, while lowering operating and maintenance costs and improving occupant comfort.

Great Lakes Forestry Centre