Three years ago, a cracked heat exchanger in a gas-fired unit posed a carbon monoxide risk and forced an immediate shutdown at RRC Polytech’s aircraft and aviation training facility. The team at Stevenson Campus – Winnipeg saw an opportunity to take a more strategic and sustainable approach than simply replacing the system with the same kind. The large hangar-style space used to be heated as a single zone, which led to inconsistent temperatures across the entire building. 

After one year of planning and design followed by two years of installation, the Stevenson Campus – Winnipeg is now home to a brand-new air-to-air heat pump system, one of the largest of its kind in the region. The retrofit received an Award of Excellence from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada (ACEC) alongside RRC Polytech’s partner SMS Engineering. 

A key innovation in the project was the introduction of Direct Digital Controls (DDC), which brought modern building automation to a facility that previously operated without it. For the first time, facilities staff can monitor and adjust temperatures remotely, track outdoor conditions, and respond in real time to climate. The system works in tandem with the heat pumps to optimize performance and energy use. 

“We know that in Canada, the building sector is responsible for 18 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions,” says Stephanie Fulford, Manager of Sustainability and Climate Strategy at RRC Polytech. “So for us, pursuing these innovative projects that improve building energy performance plays a key role in our sustainability efforts and leadership.” 

The retrofit took advantage of the opportunity to move the large heating unit off the roof and onto the mezzanine to ensure smoother maintenance in the future, particularly in the winter when repairing the system meant that technicians would have to climb onto the roof in blistering cold conditions. 

Now, the system delivers efficient heating for most of the year with electrical support during extreme cold weather. By carefully managing energy demand, the system avoids overloading the building’s electrical service while still delivering reliable performance, even at temperatures as low as -25°C and significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels. 

Stevenson Campus – Winnipeg had its own unique challenges to face during construction when classes were still going on. Work had to be carefully scheduled around active classes, student activities and ongoing aviation operations. Staff and students adapted to the disruptions, and summer months were used to accelerate the most intensive work. Major installations, including craning large units into the hangar, were timed during winter break which required temporary relocation of aircraft and equipment. Despite the complexity, the campus remained operational throughout the project. 

“There’s always the immediate impact like lower emissions, but the industry impact spreads far,” said Maurice Doucette, Technical Officer, Facility Management. “Knowing that we’re leaders, consulting firms hear about projects like this and take us seriously. Students that attended RRC Polytech that are now journeymen come and work on projects like this at our campuses, and they’re extra invested because they attended this school.” 

The project represents a significant step toward the Polytech’s broader goals in sustainability and demonstrates how existing buildings can be transformed to meet modern sustainability standards. The Stevenson Campus – Winnipeg retrofit is a win for students, for staff, and for the environment. And now, it’s an award-winning example of what’s possible when necessity drives innovation.