Climate-Aligned Real Estate
Squamish Nation’s Chief Joe Mathias Centre: Net Zero Retrofit Pilot
Affine’s climate-aligned project leadership ensures retrofits deliver measurable sustainability, resilience, and long-term financial benefits while supporting community well-being. Owner priorities and interests are central to the work and integrated throughout the process.
Project Background
In 2019, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) declared a climate emergency and developed a Climate Action Strategy to guide progress toward net zero by 2050.
To advance these commitments, the Nation selected the Chief Joe Mathias Centre (CJMC) - a community cultural and recreational hub - as the site for a deep retrofit pilot. With mechanical systems nearing end-of-life, the retrofit aims to reduce GHG emissions, save energy, and eliminate reliance on natural gas through electrification of HVAC, DHW, and kitchen systems.
Affine's Expertise
The Squamish Nation engaged Affine as Owner’s Representative to lead a TCO analysis comparing like-for-like replacement with full electrification, evaluating long-term costs, operational savings, and climate impacts. While upfront costs for full electrification were higher, the analysis found that lifecycle savings - driven by improved efficiency, solar generation, and avoided gas cost escalation - would make the deep retrofit financially viable over the building’s assumed post-retrofit lifetime of 60 years.
Affine also secured funding for the schematic design and feasibility study and coordinated technical studies evaluating HVAC, domestic hot water, commercial kitchen electrification, and rooftop solar PV. The retrofit strategy was projected to cut GHGs by 87% (33 tCO₂e/year), improve indoor air quality, and reduce exposure to pollutants from gas appliances.
Post-retrofit, the Centre will serve as a climate resilience hub, offering safe shelter during extreme weather and power outages. The HVAC system includes cooling and backup heating to maintain comfort during heatwaves and cold snaps. A battery system was considered for backup power, offering benefits like solar recharging and peak load reduction. However, high upfront costs and limited backup duration led to its exclusion. Instead, a backup generator will be installed, with renewable fuel options such as renewable diesel and natural gas under review to minimize emissions.
Project Highlights
-
Pre-Retrofit Kitchen
Electrifying the kitchen will eliminate combustion-related pollutants, improving indoor air quality for staff and visitors. New air handling units with filtration will reduce exposure to outdoor pollutants during smoke events, protecting vulnerable community members including elders and children.
-
Solar PV Integration
To reduce grid reliance and energy costs, a 100 kW rooftop solar PV system—the maximum allowed under BC Hydro’s self-generation programme—will be installed. This system is expected to offset over 30% of the building’s annual electricity consumption.
Key Takeaways
-
Prioritize Indoor Air Quality and Climate Resilience
New HVAC and air filtration systems improve indoor air quality during smoke events. Backup generation ensures continued operation during outages, with renewable fuels under consideration.
-
Fully Electric Community Buildings can be Viable
The pilot demonstrates the technical and financial feasibility of full electrification in a community building, providing a model for future projects.
-
Use Total Cost of Ownership to Guide Retrofit Decisions
Integrating TCO with retrofit design ensures financial, operational, and environmental performance are balanced across the building’s lifecycle.
“Affine Climate Solutions brought deep technical expertise to the Chief Joe Matthias Centre’s retrofit design process. Their collaborative approach helped us navigate complex decisions around electrification, solar integration, and long-term cost planning for this well-loved community centre. Affine’s leadership ensured our priorities were reflected throughout the process, and their commitment to resilience and community well-being was evident every step of the way."
Nick Guidobono
Manager - Capital Projects
Squamish Nation