Corix Utilities operator, Terry Balak, walks along a bridge inside the Dockside Green community where a mix of residential, commercial and industrial tenants in Victoria are already getting their heat and hot water from the Dockside Green Energy Biomass Facility.Chad Hipolito
Victoria's Dockside Green neighbourhood is bustling, vibrant and home to businesses and hundreds of people occupying about 270 units. About one-third complete, (it opened in 2007-2008) it's being hailed as one of the greenest communities in the world.
It uses a new renewable energy system that slashes the buildings' energy needs by more than 80 per cent.
The pioneering work, the community design, and what's known as a "district energy" system that underpins it, is now a model for others in Canada, and beyond.
Vancouver-based architect Robert Drew of Perkins + Will led a local group – including financier Vancity, a credit union, energy system maker Nexterra and utility manager Corix Group – that came together to build the world-leading community.
Mr. Drew took questions in a live chat with readers moderated by Vancouver-based reporter David Ebner Thursday at 11 a.m. PT, 2 p.m. ET. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions.
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