Innovation in Action
Mission Schools — Hybrid Heat Pump Retrofit Project
Leading BC's First Net Zero Carbon School Retrofits
School District 75 in Mission, BC faced increasing gas bills, aging boiler-driven heating systems, and looming Net Zero Carbon legislation.
Replacing entire HVAC infrastructures would have been disruptive, costly, and time-consuming. At the same time, classrooms needed to stay comfortable, even during –10°C winters.
Alpine partnered with School District 75 to pioneer BC's first Net-Zero-aligned hybrid heat-pump retrofits for K-12 schools.
We adapted to the schools' existing air handlers (no gut-and-replace), reduced gas consumption, and maintained comfortable classrooms year-round.
As a first-of-its-kind approach in the province, Alpine worked directly with Fujitsu to configure equipment for school environments and Canadian winters.
Crane lifting Fujitsu heat pump units onto the roof at Christine Morrison Elementary
Mission Schools HVAC Retrofit
The Challenge
Mission schools were running on aging boiler-driven HVAC systems that generated sky-high natural gas bills month after month. A hybrid heat pump retrofit was urgently needed to reduce costs, modernize facilities, and meet new efficiency standards.
These outdated systems also struggled to deliver consistent comfort. Classrooms were often too cold during –10°C winters, and maintenance crews faced constant breakdowns. Teachers and students felt the impact daily, while facility managers fought a losing battle with rising expenses.
At the same time, the district faced strict Net Zero Carbon requirements for public facilities. Yet tearing out massive air handlers and ductwork would have meant multi-million-dollar costs, extended downtime, and major disruption across multiple schools. The need for a smarter retrofit path was clear.
Why Change Was Needed
- Inconsistent classroom comfort during extreme cold
- Escalating gas and maintenance costs from aging boilers
- Pressure to comply with Net Zero Carbon legislation
- Costly, disruptive replacements seen as the only alternative
First-of-Its-Kind in BC
Alpine's Hybrid Heat Pump Retrofit Solution
This Mission Schools hybrid heat pump retrofit shows how Alpine engineered a system that worked with existing infrastructure instead of replacing it. The result: a school HVAC upgrade that cut costs, reduced disruption, and aligned with Net Zero goals.
By adapting the design to existing air handlers and ductwork, Alpine avoided costly tear-outs and kept installations on a two-month schedule per school — minimizing impact on students and staff. Every detail was built with long-term serviceability and durability in mind.
How We Did It
- Custom Coils: Designed with USA Coil to drop directly into existing air handlers
- Hybrid Dual-Fuel Design: Heat pumps carry most of the load; boilers stage on only during deep cold
- Glorified Heat Pumps: Partnered with Fujitsu to adapt VRF-class hardware for Canadian school ventilation demands
- EEV Racks & Controls: Built custom electronic expansion valve racks for precise modulation and easy servicing
- Durability Built-In: Aluminum-jacketed refrigerant lines prevent bird and weather damage, extending system life
Technicians installing and insulating refrigerant piping for Fujitsu heat pump units
Custom electronic expansion valve (EEV) racks installed inside the Mission Schools air handler system, enabling precise modulation
Verified Results
Proven Performance
Early results from the Mission Schools hybrid heat pump retrofit show a 30%+ reduction in energy costs and dramatic cuts in natural gas consumption — while classrooms maintain consistent comfort year-round.
The project is now under independent review by Fujitsu and BC Hydro, underscoring Alpine's role as the first in North America to adapt this Fujitsu technology for school HVAC retrofits. The model is already sparking interest from other BC districts looking for scalable school HVAC upgrades that align with Net Zero goals.
- 30%+ energy savings (pending BC Hydro confirmation)
- Built for Net Zero Carbon compliance
- 2 schools completed, 2 more underway
- Install time: ~2 months per school
This retrofit gave Mission Schools a cost-efficient, low-disruption path to Net Zero — avoiding millions in infrastructure replacement while ensuring reliable classroom comfort.
The design is scalable, serviceable, and sets a new benchmark for school HVAC retrofits across British Columbia.
Beyond Mission Schools
Scalable School HVAC Retrofits Across BC
The Mission Schools hybrid heat pump retrofit proved that large-scale school HVAC upgrades can be practical, repeatable, and scalable. By working with existing air handlers and infrastructure, Alpine created a retrofit pathway that avoids the massive costs and disruption of full system replacements.
This retrofit model has already gained attention from other school districts across BC, positioning Alpine's approach as a proven path forward. Rising energy costs and strict Net Zero Carbon deadlines mean school boards need solutions that balance budget, compliance, and comfort — and Alpine's model delivers exactly that.
Why It Matters for Schools Across BC
- Scalable model: proven across multiple schools, repeatable anywhere
- Education-focused: designed around the realities of classroom comfort and district budgets
- Net Zero ready: helping schools meet carbon targets without costly overhauls
- Built to last: modular, serviceable, and durable for decades
Insulated refrigerant piping and control panels inside the Mission Schools hybrid heat pump retrofit
30% Lower Energy Costs
Reducing gas bills and improving efficiency.
Net Zero Carbon Compliant
Meeting BC's environmental mandates.
2 Schools Completed
With more underway across the district.
Adapting What's Already There
Instead of ripping out massive air handlers, Alpine engineered custom indoor coils with USA Coil to integrate seamlessly into the existing infrastructure. This innovation saved the district from costly rebuilds while meeting new Net Zero Carbon requirements.
Smarter Use of VRF Systems
Though they look like conventional VRF systems, Alpine configures these units as modulating heat pumps. The result is greater efficiency and adaptability for school environments — delivering comfort without overhauling entire systems.
Built to Last, Not to Patch
All refrigerant lines are fully jacketed to protect insulation from bird damage — a much less common step. This extra protection keeps performance high and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Hybrid Reliability in Any Season
BC winters demand reliability. Alpine's retrofit includes dual fuel capability: heat pumps provide primary heating, while backup boilers automatically kick in below –8°C. Schools stay efficient — and warm — all year long.
Innovation, Engineered In-House
Alpine designed and built custom electronic expansion valve (EEV) racks in-house. This precision engineering gives schools exact airflow and temperature control, while keeping the system highly efficient.
Mission Schools Retrofit FAQ
Every District Faces Unique HVAC Challenges
Whether you're upgrading aging boilers, planning a hybrid heat pump retrofit, or working toward Net Zero Carbon compliance, Alpine Refrigeration brings the technical expertise and proven project experience to get the job done right. Contact us today to schedule a site assessment or consultation.