On the edge of the downtown core in Edmonton’s Chinatown, The SunRise is undergoing a remarkable transformation poised to spark positive improvements throughout the neighbourhood
Initially built in 1970, the 12-story tower is being revitalized to minimize its environmental footprint. The extensive renovations focus on creating an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable design, including solar-integrated cladding on the residential tower that doubles as an 85-foot wall of art reflecting the culture and history of the surrounding community. It’s an ambitious undertaking that wouldn’t have been possible without our many trusted partnerships, including the team at Mitrex and their pioneering solar solutions.
A Mitrex-Integrated Solar Mural
Mitrex is revolutionizing sustainable solutions with its innovative Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology. Its solar panels seamlessly integrate into building facades, combining aesthetics with functionality for a forward-thinking energy-generating design. The durable and versatile panels can be produced to look like any style of building cladding, such as granite, porcelain, brick, wood, or even graphics. For The SunRise, the array will act as a canvas, allowing us to customize each section with designs from local artist, Lance Cardinal.
The preconstruction phase of The SunRise project involved extensive planning with our partners at Mitrex to determine the feasibility of implementing BIPV technology, including its impact on renewable energy generation and construction logistics. Brian Vaz, Product Consultant - Sustainable Building Envelopes at Mitrex, explains that early discussions were centred around determining if there were any major gaps or implications from a construction perspective. The consultations revealed the overall goals of the project. Vaz explains, “from an installation and materials standpoint, the Mitrex system delivers a high-performance, energy-generating element to this initiative. By utilizing Mitrex’s technology we are aiming to generate 175 MWh/year of on-site renewable energy at The SunRise.”
The project also represents a substantial initiative for Mitrex. “It’s one of the largest systems we’re going to be implementing in Alberta, and also the first full building retrofit for a project of this nature,” says Vaz. The renovation involves installing BIPV technology on all four sides of The SunRise building to reduce energy consumption by up to 25%. This partnership is vital in achieving the project’s goal of reducing The SunRise’s greenhouse gas emissions. Once installed, the solar array will generate up to 20% of the building’s power requirement.
Sustainable Stewardship
At the heart of our partnership with Mitrex lies a shared philosophy of creating comfortable, sustainable, and beautiful spaces. By harnessing solar energy and integrating it into the architectural fabric of the building, we are reducing our environmental footprint and providing residents with homes they’re proud of.
Our collaboration also brings tangible benefits to the surrounding neighbourhood. Revitalization efforts on this project and others in Edmonton’s downtown core will make the area more desirable and position the city as an ideal market for continued growth. By upgrading an existing building in a prime location that’s convenient and attractive to residents, we’ve taken an active step to enhance and revive the community.
Future Plans in our Partnership
The collaboration with Mitrex underscores our commitment to innovation. Together, we are reshaping what a sustainable building looks like, one solar panel at a time. Mitrex's BIPV technology is adaptable to various construction scopes and is customizable, scalable, and replicable. As Vaz states, this project “represents repeatability and how we think about renewable energy in a very impactful way.” Looking ahead, we’re developing a playbook that will help us, and our peers, transform aging properties. Utilizing creative solutions will continue to be key as we retrofit our properties across western Canada.
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