EQUS
Sustainability

The Facility of the Future

Welcome to EQUS's Corporate Office

 

 

Constructed in 2020, EQUS' Corporate Office facility features an innovative Near Net-Zero energy system.

The system is comprised of a 55-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array that takes advantage of over 2,000 hours of annual sunlight, a 15-kilowatt battery to store excess electricity generated during peak times, and a combined heat and power system which generates both power and heat.

EQUS’ 35 kilowatt combined heat and power (CHP) system uses natural gas to power an internal combustion engine which generates electricity. The CHP system captures the excess thermal energy produced in this process and uses it to heat the building and melt the snow off the sidewalks surrounding the building in the winter. This process is highly efficient and significantly lowers utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The facility operates on a smart building management system that integrates the generation, storage, and usage of the electricity and heat being generated to maximize efficiency. The building is designed with motion sensors to adjust heat and light in rooms that are not being used. An intuitive lighting system allows for the harvesting of natural light by adjusting the levels of indoor lighting based on the amount of natural light being detected by sensors in the room.

The innovative system is expected to result in an estimated 95 per cent reduction in grid power used, as well as a 59 per cent cost savings on utilities, and a 31 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural Resources Canada and the Town of Innisfail provided financial support to assist in the development and implementation of this innovative system.

This efficient near net-zero energy system positions EQUS as a leader in innovative technology and sustainable and efficient green energy generation.

To learn more about the system or to schedule a guided tour please contact Elizabeth Bishop, Project Management Specialist at ebishop@equs.ca.

 

 

 

Electric Vehicle Charger

Powered by Alternative Energy

In addition to powering the building, the electricity generated on site also supplies a level three fast charge, dual connection electric vehicle (EV) charger that is located on site. EQUS’ charger is connected to the FLO EV Charging network, one of the largest in North America. With close proximity to the heavily-travelled Highway 2 corridor, and easy accessibility for EV drivers through the FLO mobile app, the fast charger provides a convenient and unique opportunity to power up with electricity generated on site.

Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Unit

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EQUS' Alternative Energy Room

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Medicine Hat Facility

EQUS’ Medicine Hat Facility is now solar powered! We’ve added a 20-kilowatt rooftop-mounted solar array, 20-kilowatt battery, and two electric vehicle chargers to our Medicine Hat Facility. The system, like the one recently installed at EQUS’ Corporate Office, is connected through a smart energy management system that maximizes efficiency by integrating the solar generation and battery storage to allow for a consistent, reliable supply.

While the building remains connected to the grid, the system is expected to be near net zero, resulting in an estimated 95 per cent reduction in grid power used, and a 45 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The system will also provide opportunities to generate revenue in the future through electricity exported to the grid and the electric vehicle charging stations.

Thank you to Natural Resources Canada and Alberta Innovates for providing funding towards this project.

Sustainability Report

A comprehensive report on the overall state of our financial, environmental, and community performance and sustainability.

Click here to view the report.

Members are free to purchase electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310.4822 (toll free in Alberta).

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