The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) has lauded Halifax for its visionary and state of the art Canada Games Center, which is now hosting the 2011 Canada Winter Games.

The 176,000 square foot Sports and Recreation Center has been designed by DSRA Envision Architecture and includes 200 thermal water panels on its rooftop along with 36 SolarDuct modules, which preheat the ventilation for the field house. According to Heather MacAulay, one of CanSIA’s Board of Directors for the Atlantic region, the Halifax Regional Municipality’s vision for commissioning such a futuristic complex was praiseworthy. The focus on energy efficiency and promotion of a healthy indoor environment along with the incorporation of solar energy was the secret to the success of the facility.

Richard MacLellan, Halifax Regional Municipality’s SEMO Manager (Sustainable Environment Management Office) remarked that adopting solar heating technology was a good cost- effective proposition. As the demand for hot water was very high in the building, the opportunity for savings by decreasing the operating costs in the facility was also huge. He mentioned that they would continue their exploration to discover the most promising and innovative renewable technology that could be used in the projects. The Defense Minister Peter MacKay, the Premier, Darrell Dexter and the Mayor of Halifax Peter Kelly were present during the unveiling of the $45 million Center on January 15th.

The CanSIA established in 1992, is a national trade association representing almost 650 solar energy companies from all over Canada. It has worked for the development of a robust, efficient, professional and ethical Solar Energy Industry in Canada with a capacity to offer innovative solar solutions and has also played a significant role in the transition to a clean energy and sustainable future in the world.

azocleantech.com