City of Brampton and Johnson Controls Pioneer Zero Carbon Retrofit Project at Susan Fennell Sportsplex

Johnson Control announced a transformative Zero Carbon Retrofit project with the City of Brampton, Canada’s ninth most populated city. The Susan Fennell Sportsplex, a cornerstone of the community, is the site of the pilot project for the city’s long-term plan to revitalize and decarbonize city-owned facilities. Digital energy efficiency monitoring by Johnson Controls OpenBlue technology will help the complex meet the Canada Green Building Counsel’s Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Performance Standard which requires annual verification.

“The City of Brampton’s innovative pilot program has the power to serve as a model for municipalities across Canada on their journey to net zero,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “While many cities have articulated net zero aspirations, our collaborative efforts are converting plans into impactful action with tangible cost and energy savings.”

Johnson Controls conducted a thorough assessment of the 173,546 square-foot facility to guide a program that will enable the city to achieve net zero carbon operating emissions. Through energy conservation measures, electrification, innovative energy solutions, and carbon free energy sources, the city is guaranteed outcomes based on achievement of GHG emissions reduction. The project includes HVAC upgrades and optimization, rooftop solar PV unit installation, a ground source heat loop, solar thermal pool heating and Johnson Controls OpenBlue technology to provide ongoing monitoring, measurement and reporting.

Emphasizing operational efficiency and addressing updates to major building systems were critical considerations in the planning process. The primary objectives of the upgrades, set to be completed in the fall of 2025, are:

• Elevating facility users' comfort through heating upgrades and heat recovery optimization
• Generating lifecycle cost savings to fund ongoing maintenance
• Reducing annual utility costs by approximately $195,000
• Electrification of space conditioning to reduce natural gas use by 99%
• Resilient building operations through infrastructure upgrades and backup generation
• Funding for this sustainability project includes a $15.7 million investment through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and $10 million in funding through the Green Municipal Fund’s Community Buildings Retrofit initiative. These funds will not only facilitate cost savings for the City of Brampton but also drive progress toward net zero goals and enhance the dynamic space for resident use. Fostering community awareness and involvement in these efforts, project progress will be on display on kiosks in the facility.

“The investment in the Susan Fennell Sportsplex is not just an investment into the well-being of the community, but also an investment in the future of our planet,” said Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “As I have learned, Johnson Controls will aid in retrofitting the centre to be more energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gases, and provide a comfortable space for the community. The upgrades of this Sportsplex ensures that every step we take towards being active will also be a step towards a greener, more resilient community for generations to come.”

“The energy transition is underway in communities across Canada, and the City of Brampton is committed to doing its part to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone to enjoy,” said Patrick Brown, mayor of the City of Brampton. “Johnson Controls guidance and zero carbon plans are helping to ensure an energy-efficient community space for residents to enjoy and be proud of for generations to come.”