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How can decarbonization initiatives be implemented?
Environmental concerns are in the news more than ever, reflecting both the urgency of the climate crisis and our growing willingness to act. This momentum, while positive, is sometimes accompanied by hasty decisions. To avoid these, a structured, well-planned approach is crucial. As always, at TST we recommend drawing up a decarbonization plan in four key stages, supported by an in-depth energy audit, to ensure that projects are well prepared in a concerted and sustainable way. Once you’ve put this plan together, how do you implement the strategies it contains? Find out with us!
Step 1 : Reduce energy needs
The first step in any decarbonization plan is to reduce buildings’ energy consumption. While this may seem like an unnecessary step, it often delivers significant results at low cost. Comparable to a recommissioning (RCx) project, this approach can generally reduce building energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
This first stage is essential, as it reduces the effort required for subsequent stages, thereby reducing the investment needed. The savings achieved can then be reinvested in the implementation of the measures identified later on. It’s also important to note that this type of approach is often eligible for financial support, covering up to 75% of professional fees, making the whole process affordable.
Step 2 : Recover rejected energy
In Quebec, much of building energy is used to heat and cool interior spaces. However, a considerable portion of this energy is rejected outside, notably through exhaust air systems. The second stage of the decarbonization plan therefore involves reusing this otherwise wasted heat to preheat or heat indoor air and spaces.
This approach significantly reduces heating requirements, thus minimizing the environmental footprint. As with the first step, these measures can benefit from substantial subsidies from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, Énergir and Hydro-Québec, covering up to 75% of eligible costs.
Step 3 : Replace equipment
After reducing energy requirements and recovering rejected energy, it’s time to tackle heat and cold production in buildings. This can involve simply replacing existing equipment with more efficient models, or adding technologies such as geothermal or aerothermal heating.
These improvements further reduce energy consumption, and are also eligible for financial support of up to 75% of the cost. So not only is this step environmentally beneficial, it’s also economically viable.
Step 4 : Offset remaining emissions
Despite all efforts to reduce energy consumption and optimize systems, some greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions may still remain. At this stage, it may make sense to offset these residual emissions by purchasing carbon credits. This solution needs to be re-evaluated regularly, as a measure that isn’t profitable today could become so in a few years’ time, depending on fluctuating energy prices.
The purchase of carbon credits not only makes it possible to neutralize remaining emissions, but also offers long-term financial flexibility for organizations seeking to minimize their environmental impact.
Finally, drawing up and implementing a rigorous decarbonization plan is essential to reconcile environmental objectives with financial imperatives. By following the four steps mentioned above – reduce energy needs, recover rejected energy, replace production equipment and offset remaining emissions – we can guide you towards a successful, sustainable and economically viable energy transition.
