Decarbonizing buildings in colder climates presents unique challenges and opportunities. Ground-source heat pumps (i.e., geo-exchange) and cold-climate air-source heat pumps are emerging as critical solutions to reduce emissions, while maintaining performance in cold climates. 

Join us for the first ZEBx Decarb Lunch of 2025, where we’ll dive into real-world examples of these systems in action in British Columbia’s northern and interior regions. Jeff Quibell of Falcon Engineering will share insights from implementing geo-exchange systems in some BC school districts, while Keith Bate of Creative Energy will discuss the use of air-source and water-source heat pumps on a groundbreaking project at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Both speakers will highlight the role these technologies play in reducing peak energy demand, improving efficiency, and overcoming the challenges of cold-weather applications. 

The session will cover both the details of the mechanical systems and the need to build trust with end-users as these technologies are introduced to regions they haven’t been used before. Learn how their experiences can inform your approach to adopting and integrating innovative systems for decarbonizing buildings in colder climates. 

Thanks to the generous support of BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver, this event is free of charge. 

Speakers:

Jeff Quibell, Energy Principal, Falcon Engineering 

Jeff has 30 years of earth and energy engineering experience, with the past 20 years dedicated to developing geo-exchange (geothermal) energy systems. He specializes in evaluating geo-exchange suitability within a considered context accounting for: the specific geological setting; relevant site features that may help or hinder geo-exchange adoption; and careful consideration of heating/cooling load profile. Where favourable conditions exist for geo-exchange adoption, Jeff has extensive experience developing tailored geo-exchange designs to suit the specific site and building-conditions and attributes. 

Jeff has designed some of the earliest large-scale geo-exchange systems in Canada, including several prominent projects in Greater Vancouver, Whistler, Okanagan, Northern BC, and Winnipeg. Jeff has long been active in the advancement of geo-exchange energy technology at provincial and national levels, including active participation on several industry training and certification committees. He has served GeoExchange BC (geo-exchange industry association in British Columbia) in many capacities since its inception in 2002. Since 2013 he has served as its Board Chair. 

Keith Bate, Director of Engineering, Creative Energy 

Keith has over 20 years' experience in low carbon design strategies for district energy and building systems. Prior to joining Creative Energy, Keith worked at international engineering consultancies Stantec, AECOM and Ramboll. Keith holds a Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Durham University in the UK, and, in addition to his Professional Engineering designation with EGBC, is a Chartered Engineer with the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and a Certified Passive House Consultant. 

Our Decarb Lunch is online.

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