Johnson Controls developed a bespoke solution to house two 3.3 MW heat pumps in a mechanical space originally designed for half that capacity, overcoming significant space and engineering limitations. Working with KWL Engineering Consultants and local contractors, Johnson Controls delivered a high-performance, space-saving energy system that enables direct wastewater heat recovery in an urban environment. The innovative system captures waste heat from screened municipal wastewater using CYK high-temperature, high-lift centrifugal heat pumps that deliver over three units of thermal energy per unit of electricity consumed. The heat pumps produce 155°F heating water that is distributed to surrounding buildings via underground pipes. Each building is equipped with its own energy transfer station, which supplies the heat to the building for space heating and hot water preparation.
“A lot of heat goes through our drains into our sewer system where it ends up being wasted,” said Derek Pope, deputy director of False Creek NEU. “These heat pumps help us harness that waste heat, produce hot water with high efficiency, and convert wastewater into an energy resource for the community. We are proud to lead this work in North America and provide long-term value to taxpayers by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering operating costs.”
NEW from False Creek has been using thermal energy from wastewater since 2010, setting the standard for low-carbon municipal energy systems. By expanding wastewater heat recovery and reducing gas consumption, the project supports the NEU's mission to operate entirely on low-carbon energy by 2030.
Johnson Controls was an early heat pump provider and today offers one of the world's most comprehensive portfolios for commercial, institutional and industrial applications. Its advanced heat pump technologies provide measurable competitive advantages to customers across industries – from global manufacturers and hospitals to municipalities and utilities – while significantly reducing environmental impact. In 2024 alone, Johnson Controls commercial heat pumps helped customers reduce annual heating costs by an average of 53% and emissions by 60% compared to traditional natural gas boilers.
Find out more about efficient and cost-saving heat pump solutions.
About Johnson Controls:
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are transforming the environments in which people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
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