"Hydro Place"- A Model in Energy Efficiency

Hydro Place is a 1.3 ×10⁶ ft² commercial office building built to accommodate approximately 5000 head office employees of Ontario Hydro. Through the use of various innovative features, the designers sought to achieve a new level in energy efficiency. The design incorporates the internal source heat pump concept married to a large thermal storage (both hot and cold) tank. In addition, the structure is well insulated. Adequate lighting at low input levels is achieved through the use of an integrated coffered ceiling. All major systems and equipment are under the control of a computer. Since occupying the building two years ago, the staff has undertaken various measures to make this model building even more energy efficient.