Prism Engineering has been recognized with 2026 ASHRAE BC Technology Awards, highlighting the impact of targeted system optimization in improving building performance across existing facilities.
This year’s awards recognize:
- Educational Facilities – Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx)
Langara College – Buildings A, C & LSU (also received first place at the ASHRAE Region XI level) - Institutional Buildings – Existing
Abbotsford Recreation Centre
Together, these projects reflect a consistent approach: improving performance by making better use of what buildings already have.
Optimizing Systems, Not Replacing Them
Rather than relying on large-scale system replacement, both projects focused on integration, recommissioning, and strategic upgrades, unlocking performance gains with minimal disruption.
At Langara College, Prism supported domestic hot water electrification alongside the recommissioning of a previously inactive geo-exchange system. This work was recognized under the ASHRAE EBCx category, reflecting its focus on improving performance through system optimization. Under utilized heat pumps were repurposed and the geofield was tested and upgraded and integrating with a new heat pump plant. Removing the high temperature requirements on the district heating system, enabled the campus to operate at lower temperatures and provide the opportunity for heat injection from this new low carbon plant into the district system.
At the Abbotsford Recreation Centre, previously independent systems across the aquatic centre, arena, and recreation spaces were connected via a coordinated heat-recovery network. Waste heat that was once rejected is now captured and reused to meet a significant portion of the facility’s heating demand.
Delivering Measurable Performance Improvements
These projects demonstrate how existing buildings can achieve meaningful improvements in performance and reliability through focused interventions.
At Abbotsford Recreation Centre, the integrated heat recovery approach is expected to reduce natural gas use by approximately 77%, while Langara College’s upgrades support a substantial shift away from gas-based heating as part of its long-term electrification strategy.
A Scalable Approach to Building Decarbonization
These award-winning projects reinforce a practical takeaway: existing buildings can deliver strong performance outcomes without major capital redevelopment.
Through a combination of engineering, commissioning, and system integration, facilities can achieve measurable improvements while extending the life of existing assets and preparing for future decarbonization.
The approaches implemented at Langara College and the Abbotsford Recreation Centre provide a scalable model for campuses, municipalities, and institutional portfolios across British Columbia.
Recognizing Project Teams and Partners
This recognition reflects the collaboration between clients, operators, and project partners committed to advancing building performance in British Columbia. Prism also congratulates all 2026 ASHRAE BC Technology Award recipients on their contributions to innovation and progress across the built environment.
Practical Next Steps for Building Owners
For many organizations, the biggest opportunity lies in re-evaluating existing systems before pursuing major capital upgrades. Targeted commissioning, heat recovery integration, and electrification strategies can often deliver strong returns, both operationally and financially, while setting the foundation for long-term decarbonization.
Exploring opportunities within your existing buildings?
Prism works with building owners and operators to identify practical pathways to improve performance, reduce emissions, and extend asset life, without unnecessary capital spend.
Interested in making the most of your energy use and reducing your carbon footprint?
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