“[…] we’ve utilised cutting-edge techniques to reduce carbon production, energy use, and our overall impact on the planet. A range of advanced green technologies have been integrated into the building; technologies that help us produce our own electricity, recapture waste heat and significantly reduce our overall power consumption. […] you can feel the heat being reclaimed through copper pipes, enjoy the shade of the photovoltaic array, or check the electricity production on digital readouts throughout the building. In the City of Toronto’s first joint geothermal project, 6,200 feet of pipe were drilled under the public laneway beside the hostel. The fluid-filled pipes tap into the constant 10° to 12°C temperature found deep in the earth, then wind their way back to the hostel where that heat is transferred to the building via heat pumps, providing carbon-free warmth to rooms and common spaces. In summer the reverse happens. Heat from the building is transferred to the fluid in the pipes then pumped outside, keeping the temperature cool and comfortable. At Planet Traveler, a portion of our electricity comes from the building’s impressive 4.7kW photovoltaic array, which also doubles as a shade awning over the rooftop bar. We’ve kept our energy needs low by using LED lighting building-wide, so lighting the entire building only takes 1,500W – that’s less energy than it takes to run a hairdryer or a 4-slice toaster.” Planet Traveler Hostel, Canada.