The New Facilities Management Building (FMB) in Prince George, B.C., is a two storey building built to Passive House design standards.  The building will be used primarily by the facilities management team as its base of operations.  The mechanical innovation showcased in the UNBC FMB Passive House project’s cooling system, when combined with its dedication to Passive House standards, establishes the Prince George Facilities Management Building as a remarkable achievement in sustainable construction and energy-conscious design. The project not only sets a benchmark for energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also contributes to the advancement of sustainable building practices within the industry.

Project Scope

The building is heated and cooled through in-slab hydronic piping that is connected to a series of zoned six-way control valves.  A mechanical room located in a breezeway between the new Facilities Management Building and the existing Campus Power Plant allowed for the new building to be heated utilizing the existing heating loop through a variable speed driven heat exchanger and pump arrangement.  Cooling is similarly connected to the Power Plant building as a pre-heater for the campus domestic hot water heating system, through a double walled heat exchanger and variable speed pump.  Ventilation for the building utilizes two Zehnder Passive Haus certified heat recovery ventilators utilizing the reduced ventilation rates allowable for Passive Haus Certified buildings.  Occupancy sensors and CO2 control energize the HRV boost function to ensure ventilation rates are adjusted based on air quality.  Plumbing services were minimized due to the proximity to the Power Plant building, which reduced the penetrations through the super-envelope.