Advancing ESG Goals Through a High-Rise Retrofit
A Yaletown rental property modernizes its make-up air system – improving performance and resilience
At 939 Beatty Ave. in downtown Vancouver, a low-efficiency, gas-heated make-up air system was upgraded to a hybrid dual-fuel heat pump system. The project supports QuadReal’s long-term decarbonization and Environmental Sustainability Goals while demonstrating how existing rental buildings can take practical steps toward lower-carbon operations. Supported through RARA™, FRESCo, and project partners like the City of Vancouver, the retrofit is estimated to save 1,804 GJ/year in energy, $12,829 in annual utility costs, and 1,783 tCO₂e in lifetime emissions.
A Hybrid Pathway to Low Carbon Ventilation
Make-Up Air Retrofit in Vancouver Market Rental Building
A low-efficiency, gas-heated make-up air (MUA} system in a market rental building in Vancouver was upgraded to a hybrid dual-fuel heat pump MUA system. A MUA system supplies fresh, tempered outdoor air to maintain hallway pressurization for indoor air quality and to mitigate smoke and odour migration between suites. In the upgraded system, the heat pump serves as the primary heating source, with gas auxiliary heat used only during cold conditions, reducing the system size and cost. Smart controls enable automatic switching between electricity and gas based on outdoor temperature.
Modernizing Make-Up Air Systems with Retrofit Funding Support
End-of-life equipment replacement becomes a practical retrofit opportunity
At 1529 W Pender St. in downtown Vancouver, a gas-heated make-up air system was upgraded to a hybrid dual-fuel heat pump system. The project shows how necessary equipment renewal can become an opportunity to reduce gas use, access incentives, and improve long-term building performance. Supported through RARA™, FRESCo, and project partners, the retrofit helps strengthen comfort and thermal resilience while demonstrating a practical pathway for existing rental buildings moving toward lower-carbon systems.
The end-of-life MUA replacement, hybrid heat pump system, incentive-supported business case, and comfort/resilience objectives are supported by the case study.
Our Partners
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |