Evaluating Residential Energy, Emissions and Cost Scenarios for Prince George’s Official Community Plan: Integrated Community Energy Mapping Approach, Methods and SCEC3 Model Results

Authors:
Jessica Webster, CanmetENERGY, Natural Resources Canada
Brett Korteling, Vive le Monde Mapping

With contributions from:
Raymond Boulter, CanmetENERGY Natural Resources Canada
Ken Cooper, SAR Engineering
Adrien Mohareb, City of Prince George
Liz Saikali, CanmetENERGY, Natural Resources Canada
Rory Tooke, University of British Columbia

Publication date: March, 2013

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Abstract

This report explores the Integrated Community Energy Mapping (ICEM) approach developed by CanmetENERGY Ottawa, a division of Natural Resources Canada. The ICEM approach contributes to the development of a consistent method for characterizing energy and emissions in the building stock in communities. The report presents the final analysis results of energy and emissions scenarios in the residential housing stock developed in the 2008 to 2012 timeframe, in support of Prince George’s Official Community Plan update. It describes the overall project approach, key datasets used, integrated modelling and mapping methods developed and findings around the use of visualizations in community energy and emissions planning processes. Results are discussed and recommendations are made for potential future research.

Central to the ICEM method was the Spatial Community Energy, Carbon and Cost Characterization (SCEC³) model. Developed from 2008 to 2012 by Natural Resources Canada and Vive le Monde Mapping in collaboration with the City of Prince George, the SCEC³ model enabled evaluation of the energy, greenhouse gas and cost implications of specific actions related to energy use and supply in residential buildings. The SCEC³ model was built to provide decision-making support of community level energy and emissions reduction planning initiatives in the City of Prince George, BC.

This research will be of interest to anyone developing and implementing energy conservation and GHG emissions mitigation initiatives in buildings and communities, including community energy managers and planners, consultants, academics and students, utilities, professional associations and senior government officials tasked with policy and program development.