A Customer Success Story from Northern Dock Systems

Project Overview

Peterborough’s First Zero Carbon Building

This installation with JCB Construction supports the new Fire Station No. 2 located at 100 Marina Boulevard in Peterborough. The station is notable for being the City’s first Zero Carbon Building, certified for both performance and design by the Canada Green Building Council.

The building incorporates automated control systems, geothermal heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and heat recovery systems. Constructed with mass timber—a carbon sequestering material—it features a high-performance exterior envelope that reduces heat loss and lighting costs. These elements, combined with energy-efficient door systems, contribute to an estimated $24,270 in annual operational savings and help the facility achieve net-zero carbon and energy status.

Northern Dock Systems Inc. completed the door systems with a high-performance installation of three FF-300 Four-Fold Doors and two C-175 Sectional Overhead Doors with high-speed springless SafeDrive operators.

Four-Fold Doors

Three 14’ x 14’ FF300 Glazed Four-Fold Doors were installed, built with insulated steel panels and engineered for durability and weather resistance. Each door featured stainless steel hinges, full perimeter seals, and was mounted to masonry using pre-hung frames. Glazing included eight insulated windows per door. Operators were overhead-mounted, electro-mechanical units with advanced safety and control systems, including VFD panels, sensors, and LED traffic lights.

Four-Fold Doors

High-speed horizontal bi-folding doors.

Energy-Savings for Four-Fold Doors

In addition, these doors contribute significantly to energy savings. Their insulated construction and full perimeter weather seals reduce heat loss and air infiltration, helping maintain indoor climate control. The horizontal folding design allows the doors to open in under 7 seconds—three times faster than conventional overhead doors—minimizing the time doors remain open and reducing HVAC load. This is especially beneficial in temperature-sensitive environments like fire stations. Over time, these features lead to measurable reductions in heating and cooling costs and support the building’s zero carbon goals.

Four-Fold Doors

High-speed horizontal bi-folding doors.

Sectional Overhead Doors

Two 14’ x 14’ C-175 Sectional Doors were installed, each with insulated steel panels and a full-view polycarbonate section. Mounted with high-cycle hardware and springless barrel assemblies, these doors operated via Safe-Drive systems with VFD control panels and integrated safety features like light curtains and wireless edges. Their springless design reduces maintenance needs and improves operational efficiency.

High-Speed Overhead Doors

With full-view polycarbonate sections.

Energy-Savings for Overhead Doors

The high-speed springless SafeDrive operator opens doors up to 24 inches per second—three times faster than traditional jackshaft operators. This rapid operation significantly reduces air infiltration, helping maintain indoor climate control and lowering HVAC energy consumption. The springless design also eliminates the need for costly spring replacements and minimizes downtime, contributing to long-term operational savings. In high-throughput environments like fire stations, these energy-efficient systems support sustainability goals and enhance building performance.

Direct comparison between Northern Dock Systems' high-speed operator and a traditional jackshaft operator

High-Speed Overhead Doors

With springless SafeDrive operators.

Peterborough Fire Station No. 2 – Peterborough’s First Zero Carbon Building

The project was completed efficiently and met all safety, performance, and sustainability standards. Coordination between teams ensured a smooth installation and successful outcome.