Pipeline to Greener Days: Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP)
The Energy Savings Acquisition Program (ESAP) is a particular project that Tiree has had the pleasure of working on, set to realize a 63% reduction in annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the 2005 established baseline by the Government of Canada. This multi-phased program of work supports Canada’s Greening Strategy and the modernization of the Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) district energy systems. Here’s more on ESAP’S heating and cooling journey to a greener tomorrow.
In 2019, PSPC partnered with Innovate Energy to design, construct and refit these energy centres, which provide heating services to 80 buildings and cooling services to 67 buildings in the NCR. Known as heating and cooling plants, some of these centres have existed in the capital for decades, but only upon entering this public-private partnership has the decision been made to phase out the old heating and cooling system, replacing high-emission steam with low-temperature hot water, significantly reducing environmental impact.
This innovative European technology incorporates both free river water pumping and electric heating and/or chilling. The thermal energy is transported through a network of direct bury piping, which involves laying the pipes in the ground in a relatively shallow trench on a bed of compacted sand, enveloped by a plastic sleeve that goes over the insulation to prevent the pipes from damage. An array of high-profile buildings are plugged into this network, including the Parliamentary Precinct, the Bank of Canada Building, and the National Arts Centre (NAC), to name a few.
The updated energy infrastructure includes new energy plants such as Tunney’s Pasture and the Gatineau Energy Centre, while Confederation Heights and the Cliff Energy Centre will undergo extensive restoration. To put the power of these heating and cooling centres into perspective, the Cliff Energy Centre will include a new 60-megawatt natural gas low-temperature hot water heating plant – this is enough thermal energy to heat roughly 3,600 average homes.
This upgrade not only enhances safety by eliminating the risks associated with steam systems, but also significantly reduces energy loss during transmission. Simply put, the low-temperature hot water system is akin to pouring yourself a cup of hot tea. Just as the heat dissipates gradually from the tea and into the cup’s walls, so does the thermal energy within the insulated pipes underground. As it stands, water will be entering the pipes at 95 degrees Celsius, but the intention over time is to reduce that temperature to 70 degrees Celsius.
ESAP not only embodies the technical aspects – the project also seeks to deepen the intersectionality between community engagement and education. Sites like Tunney’s Energy Centre and the Cliff Energy Centre will include immersive features, such as a vision glass curtain wall system for public viewing of the generation equipment and a Visitors Education Centre, inviting the public to learn about and engage with this transformative technology.
Currently in Stage 1, ESAP will realize substantial performance by October 2025, with the goal of increasing energy efficiency and reducing operating costs by $400 million. Stage 2 is set to achieve even deeper greening initiatives, such as the addition of geo exchange technology (using the ground like a battery to store heat in the summer for use in the winter), waste heat recovery and the integration of renewable energy gas.
That’s why we’re proud of our long-standing partnership with PSPC—it empowers us to embrace innovation and collective action as we work toward a more sustainable future.
In recognition of this work, the Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP) User Building Conversion Plan team received two Awards of Excellence in 2025 for successfully transforming a high-risk environmental program and demonstrating exemplary leadership in advancing sustainable practices.
Among our city’s unique and contrasting landscapes, let’s continue paving the way to a greener, more resilient planet for generations to come.