Pics from Brockton Oval Ribbon Cutting In Vancouver

Derek Ramlu, Teresen Gas Energy Technology Specialist, David Ramslie, Manager of the Sustainable Development Program with the City of Vancouver, SolarBC Executive Director Nitya Harris and Ian Harvey, Supervisor of Maintenance Management with the Park Board.

While the sun did its best to make an appearance in the lower mainland during Solar Days weekend, the rain stayed away long enough for a ribbon cutting and tour at Stanley Park's Brockton Oval, where solar hot water was installed earlier in April. Ian Harvey, Park Board Supervisor of Maintenance Management and tour guide said a few words, as well as David Ramslie, Manager of the Sustainable Development Program with the City of Vancouver. Executive Director Nitya Harris was also in attendance to speak about the Solar Days events happening around the province last weekend.

The Brockton installation is a project of the Vancouver Greenest City Action Team’s Greenest City Initiative. The initiative was launched by the city in 2009, with the goal is to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world by 2020.

Located in the heart of Stanley Park the Brokcton Oval is the ideal location for a solar thermal demonstration project as it has great exposure to the sun as well as a large number of visitors. Until recently, the hot water for the entire facility was heated with a combination of electricity and natural gas. Flat plate solar collectors that were recently installed on the roof will pre-heat the hot water serving the washrooms and change rooms. This will greatly reduce the amount of emissions currently being produced by Brockton Oval. The new system will see a reduction in the use of natural gas and electricity of between 10 to 25%. In 2008 the natural gas costs in 2008 were $6,451 and electricity costs were $14,559. Annual carbon dioxide emission will be reduced by at least 600 kilograms.