Dockside Green, which is studded with a host of energy-efficient features, is spread over 1.3 million square feet, and includes 26 buildings with 2,500 residents. The project’s first neighborhood, Dockside Wharf, was completed in 2009 and has 266 market-rate apartments with 26 affordable units. It includes 32,600 square feet of office space and 5,881 square feet of retail space.
The sewage treatment plant is the latest feature in the Dockside Green development. The ground-floor condominiums at Dockside Green feature a network of ponds and waterways containing native plants, otters and ducks. The artificial creek circulates wastewater from an adjacent underground sewage treatment plant. The water is also used to flush toilets and irrigate the landscape. It is a closed system that not only helps reduce water bills for residents, but also provide a refuge for wildlife. Dockside Green also features a Galloping Goose cycling and pedestrian trail stretching for more than 30-miles.
Rooftop wind turbines and awnings have been installed in the development that doubles as solar panels. A passive solar design, fresh air ventilation and efficient appliances help to reduce energy use. All the units have sensors that allow residents to monitor daily energy and water use. Dockside Green buildings use about 50% less energy compared with conventional buildings.
The development also includes a CAN8 million ($7.55 million) heating plant that converts locally sourced wood waste into a clean-burning gas, producing heat and hot water for the entire community. The system eliminates the need to use fossil fuels as a heat source. Dockside Green residents are not charged carbon tax for heat and hot water as wood waste is considered as a zero emission fuel.
In June 2010, Dockside Green Energy, the utility that operates the thermal plant, has begun selling excess heating capacity to a nearby hotel, the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort Hotel and Spa. This not only enabled the hotel to free its natural gas-powered boilers but also made Dockside Green a carbon positive project.
Dockside was originally a partnership between the Windmill Development Group, headed by Mr. Van Belleghem, and Vancity, one of Canada’s largest credit unions. Belleghem sold his share to Vancity in 2009. Vancity has invested about CAN70 million ($66.08 million) till date in Dockside Green project. The project is expected to cost about CAN500 million ($472.01 million), when finished.
The Clinton Climate Initiative selected Dockside Green as one of the founding ‘Climate Positive Developments’ around the world. The program showcases urban developments that aim for negative carbon emissions. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association also awarded Dockside Green the top honor in 2009 as one of the most innovative projects in Canada.
