Energy matters: evaluating the use of the energy mapping approach in Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Date
2014-04-22
Authors
Friesen, Andrei
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Abstract
In light of pressing challenges including climate change and energy security,
urban planners are increasingly being required to make decisions that can be
attributed to reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy
mapping is an emerging approach used to make improved energy-related
decisions and predict energy performance, although at the time of writing, has
not been applied within a Manitoban context. Informed by promising practice
utilized in other Canadian locales, this research creates an energy mapping
process for use in the City of Winnipeg’s residential sector. The Ebby-Wentworth
neighbourhood is analyzed to develop and test the mapping process. The process
begins with determining baseline energy use for the neighbourhood, and is then
compared to three development scenarios, which include the use of retrofits, and
new construction on an adjacent development site. The results of applying the
energy mapping approach in Winnipeg demonstrates this to be a key decision-making
tool for planners looking to make informed decisions related to energy-using
equipment, building and site design, and land use and infrastructure.
Recommendations include: increased use of the energy mapping approach as a
decision-making tool through enhanced collaboration between federal and
provincial authorities, municipalities, and utilities; incorporating energy
considerations into the planning and development process through revised and
updated energy legislation, policy and programming; and, further refining and
testing of the energy mapping process designed for this research to develop a
best-practice approach for mapping energy use within the Province of Manitoba.
Description
Keywords
Dwelling archetypes, Ebby-Wentworth, energy decision-making tool, energy mapping, energy mapping process, energy planning, Fort Rouge Yards, GIS, Manitoba Hydro, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Winnipeg Residential Energy Mapping Process (WREMP)