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With construction projects across the Greater Toronto Area intensifying their focus on sustainable development, the push for renewable energy solutions is becoming increasingly important in urban housing. Diverso Energy is one of the leading companies in this green revolution with its Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, meant specifically for the multifamily residential sector. This Toronto-based innovator has, as co-founder Tim Weber puts it, “cracked the code” for building decarbonization by enabling developers to use geothermal heating and cooling systems without the daunting upfront costs, or the construction and operational risks typically associated with the technology.
Weber identified that these financial hurdles and operational risks were creating barriers to entry for the technology, and devised a unique geothermal utility model that emulates conventional gas and electric utilities. It converts large capital expenditures into traditional operational costs, through the company’s Thermal Energy Purchase Agreement (TEPA). This model helps provide tenants and building owners with a fixed-cost, low-carbon solution over a 30-year term that aligns with increasing environmental regulations and carbon tax.
In May, 2022, Diverso Energy was acquired by CVC DIF, a global infrastructure fund manager with over €18 billion of infrastructure assets under management. This acquisition transformed Diverso into Ontario’s first vertically integrated geothermal company. By consolidating functions such as engineering, drilling, construction, and project financing under one roof, Diverso has streamlined its operations.
Its engineering division, Geo-Xergy, has over 300 successful projects under its belt. Geo-Xergy provides geothermal solutions for various building specifications and site conditions. From the early planning stages, developers engage with Diverso’s experts to implement geothermal systems into building designs, accommodating specific mechanical requirements, City regulations, and challenging geological conditions.
Owing to the expertise of its in-house engineering team, Diverso has been able to handle increasingly complex projects, with several involving expansions and modifications. “Geothermal is more than just a piece of equipment,” says Weber. “It’s a living and breathing entity. To ensure the system’s longterm performance, it’s crucial to integrate it into your plans from the outset. Forêt Condos stands as a testament to this approach.”
Designed by BDP Quadrangle for Canderel Residential and KingSett Capital, the site for the future trio of towers known as Forêt Condos was previously occupied by a gas station. It presents challenges including soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. With drilling imminent, Diverso plans to employ double-casing techniques for the first 60 feet to prevent any cross-contamination, clean the rigs after each use, and adhere to safety protocols, including the use of protective Tyvek suits.
Shannon Adams, Senior Director of Project & Development Services at Canderel reflects on this, sharing that, “High groundwater levels, on-site contamination, and remediation required extensive design revisions and careful logistical planning. Collaborating with Diverso, we conducted multiple feasibility studies and risk assessments to address these challenges. Their expertise was crucial in sustaining confidence in the geothermal system and ensuring the project’s success.”
Due to a recent municipally approved increase in density, Forêt’s towers will now range from 35 to 41 storeys, with over 1300 residential units. The additional floors and units typically require a complete overhaul of mechanical systems. However, thanks to Diverso's geothermal design, adjustments could be made efficiently without substantial redesigns.
Canderel’s proactive approach to geothermal, combined with Diverso’s design flexibility, allowed for an increase in borehole quantity and spacing to accommodate the new building specifications. “Fortunately, early integration of the geothermal design allowed us to adjust borehole quantity and spacing over time, which enabled the addition of 12 storeys and 100 units without major redesigns. Working with their team during the early design stages was highly cooperative, collaborative, and flexible,” says Adams.
By eliminating the need for traditional HVAC equipment, such as boilers and cooling towers, Diverso significantly reduces construction costs. This also frees up prime rooftop spaces for potential green areas or additional amenities.
Diverso’s systems contribute to achieving energy and carbon targets, while long-term operational benefits include reduced maintenance costs, increased structural integrity, and improved water conservation. With decades of accumulated data, Diverso uses advanced predictive modelling to continually optimize system performance. The company draws on historical data from similar buildings, alongside regular site inspections and comprehensive performance testing.
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| Related Companies: | Aercoustics Engineering Ltd, BDP Quadrangle, Grounded Engineering Inc., II BY IV DESIGN, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, New Release Condo, Rad Marketing |
