Decarbonizing buildings

Transforming buildings by enhancing their energy efficiency and supplying them with clean, renewable energy such as hydroelectricity can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and thus reduce Québec’s GHG emissions.

To this end, to promote the use of low-carbon energy, the installation of oil heating appliances is now prohibited in new residential buildings in Québec, as well as in existing buildings with a maximum surface area of 600 m² and three storeys or less (such as bungalows, cottages, semi-detached homes, duplexes and triplexes). It is also prohibited to replace an oil heating appliance with an appliance powered by a fossil fuel (oil or natural gas).

To facilitate the installation of clean, sustainable heating systems, residential building owners can obtain government funding through programs such as:

• Chauffez vert
• Éconologis
• Rénoclimat
• Novoclimat
• Hydro-Québec financial assistance
• Écoperformance (in French only)

Other measures can be taken to ensure strict energy management in buildings. A building mechanical retrofit to optimize heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can result in energy savings of 5-15% with little capital investment. ÉcoPerformance also has funding available for interested businesses.

Many industrial facilities also release large amounts of heat into the atmosphere. The heat can be recovered and directed to nearby buildings and plants for heating or meeting energy needs. The Valorisation des rejets thermiques program supports companies, institutions and municipalities that seek to put this type of project in place.

Finally, in accordance with the Act respecting the environmental performance of buildings and to amend various provisions regarding energy transition, the government plans to establish environmental performance standards for all types of buildings. Initially, this would be achieved by setting up a reporting, rating and performance system for buildings. In a second phase, the government plans to introduce regulatory requirements for construction work covering the entire building lifecycle, from construction to demolition.  

Numerous innovative construction projects are being carried out in Québec to reduce the GHG emissions of big buildings or to enhance their energy efficiency. The government has funded several initiatives to tackle climate change. Here are some examples.

Enhancing energy efficiency in big buildings

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord is undertaking major work in its building in Les Escoumins to replace its steam heating system with a hot water system. It will also establish an exhaust air heat recovery system to heat fresh air and will install a heat pump to satisfy its heating needs. The project will reduce the building’s light fuel oil consumption by roughly 48,325 l annually, equivalent to nearly 132 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Growing cucumbers using hot water from a pulp and paper mill

Les Serres Toundra grows several million cucumbers each year, partially using hot-water heating from a pulp and paper mill situated near the greenhouses. This energy harvesting process significantly reduces the need for natural gas in the greenhouses.

Installing energy-efficient equipment to reduce energy consumption in a commercial kitchen

In 2020, Cégep Limoilou installed an energy-efficient kitchen hood equipped with a highly sophisticated control system, temperature sensors and variable-speed fans. This technology helps reduce natural gas consumption for heating air and electricity consumption for ventilation. The project also includes an energy consumption monitoring system. It helps save approximately 11,834 m³ of natural gas and avoid the emission of 22.4 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.