Science World Undertakes $39 Million Energy Retrofit Project

Science World, the renowned science center in Vancouver, is undergoing a transformative $39 million energy retrofit project aimed at reducing carbon emissions and demonstrating how complex structures can adapt to modern energy standards. Initiated in 2022, this ambitious undertaking is expected to set a benchmark for sustainability in public facilities.

Tracy Redies, president and CEO of Science World, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Based on everything we’re doing, we will be a role model for other public facilities that are looking to become more sustainable.” The project comes as the City of Vancouver implements new carbon reporting requirements, highlighting the urgency for institutions to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

The building, originally constructed for Expo 86 as a temporary structure, had deteriorated over the decades, showing signs of significant energy inefficiency, including leaks that required buckets to manage water ingress. The current retrofitting process includes innovative techniques and state-of-the-art energy technology, such as the installation of 12 heat pumps, chillers, and 298 solar panels, alongside a new pump room dedicated to piping and plumbing improvements.

Innovative Techniques and Challenges

One of the unique aspects of this retrofit is the structural complexity of the building, which partially sits over water supported by pilings. This required the deployment of the largest crane in Western Canada to hoist mechanical equipment onto the roof. Brian Radburn, chief operating officer of Science World, described the challenges this presented, noting that the crane had to balance on a deck and land that he referred to as “sort of primordial mud.” Extensive preparations, including soil samples and drilling, were necessary before proceeding.

In addition to the crane logistics, the internal insulation of the dome is a significant focus. The scaffolding alone for this work costs around $1 million and took four months to construct. To ensure worker safety during the insulation process, a rescue simulation has been planned. Redies pointed out that such “value engineering” is rarely executed at this scale, especially while the center remains open to the public throughout the project, which is projected to conclude by March 2026.

“It’s like we’re flying the plane at 500 miles an hour, changing the engines on the fly, and serving dinner and drinks while we’re doing that,” Redies added, illustrating the complexity of managing ongoing operations during renovations.

The auditorium, which accommodates 400 seats and is frequently used for planetarium displays and Imax documentaries, is temporarily closed for its own overhaul. The renovation will introduce new seating, a modern sound system, and digital projection technology, replacing the previous 70-millimetre film projectors that required manual loading.

Funding and Environmental Impact

The funding for these extensive retrofits comes from a combination of sources: $19 million from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and $20 million from the provincial government. This retrofit is part of a broader $115 million revitalization strategy for Science World, aimed at enhancing its facilities over the next five to six years.

Once completed, the retrofits are anticipated to yield a 42-per-cent reduction in energy consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 66.5 tonnes annually. While achieving net-zero emissions may not be feasible at this stage, the facility will still be able to supply surplus power back to BC Hydro during peak demand periods.

Radburn highlighted the project’s broader significance, noting, “To me, it’s shown the importance of the STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts, and math] skills that we in fact are trying to instill in that next generation. We see it every single day in this project.”

As Science World advances through this ambitious retrofit, it not only aims to improve its own energy efficiency but also aspires to inspire other institutions to follow suit in their sustainability efforts.