In 2020, the Blatchford project in Edmonton was named a winner in the “Neighbourhoods” category at the FCM Sustainable Communities Awards. Blatchford is more than just a new development; it is a landmark community where residents live and work powered by 100% renewable energy. The project strives for total carbon neutrality and actively encourages a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, reports edmonton.name.
The neighbourhood is rising on the grounds of the decommissioned City Centre Airport, located just minutes from the downtown core. The development covers approximately 2.17 km², with full completion expected no earlier than 2042. Current residents are already leveraging innovative systems to achieve significant environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Cutting Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The primary goal of Blatchford is to create a carbon-neutral community powered entirely by renewable energy. Upon completion, the neighbourhood’s District Energy Sharing System is projected to reduce overall energy consumption by 15–20%. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions from homes are expected to be roughly 75% lower than in a standard neighbourhood, cutting emissions by approximately 30,000 tonnes annually. Beyond the environmental impact, the project is poised to deliver substantial economic returns, generating over $200 million in profit to be reinvested into Edmonton’s development.
A People-Centred, Mixed-Use Community
Blatchford supports Edmonton’s broader strategy to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas output. Situated in the heart of the city with excellent transit connectivity, the complex aligns with goals to densify the central core and increase public transit usage. Land-use planning for the community is based on high standards of design, featuring inviting public spaces, pedestrian and cycling paths, and a mix of facilities for work, education, retail, and healthcare. These elements are designed to foster interaction and a strong sense of community, while local business and employment opportunities will drive the district’s economic resilience.
Sustainability is woven into Blatchford’s DNA. Materials from the former airport were recycled, including the repurposing of crushed runways for new road construction and the dismantling of old hangars. These efforts diverted more than 90% of waste materials from landfills. Residential buildings are constructed with high-efficiency envelopes and advanced energy systems that lower the energy demand for heating, cooling, and hot water. The District Energy Sharing System utilizes renewable sources—specifically a geo-exchange field harnessing shallow geothermal energy—to provide eco-friendly climate control and water heating. The area also incorporates natural infrastructure technologies, such as bioswales, rain gardens, and stormwater ponds, which not only manage water but also boost biodiversity and create lush green zones.
The project faces its share of hurdles, particularly a housing market that has been sluggish in recent years, alongside unemployment concerns and the lingering economic shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors create a degree of uncertainty for the future. However, the neighbourhood is designed to develop in phases over the next 20 to 25 years, giving the project the flexibility needed to adapt to economic shifts, evolving community needs, and new sustainable technologies in the long term.