Turnkey Energy Efficiency Project
Guy-Favreau Complex & Dominique-Ducharme Building
Project Details
Location
Montreal, Quebec
Number of Buildings
2: Guy-Favreau Complex (East Tower, West Tower, Basilica) +
Dominique-Ducharme Building
System Implemented
LED lighting, recommissioning, control system modernization, electric
boiler, heat pumps, air-to-water heat pumps, internal heat recovery,
hydraulic system, Hydro-Québec renewable energy
Project Goal
Reduce the combined residual carbon footprint of the two buildings by
more than 90% under a turnkey energy performance contract (ESCO)
Impact at a Glance
92,9% reduction in GHG emissions
2,582 in annual energy savings
$286,000 energy efficiency measures implemented
Challenge
Both facilities had aging mechanical infrastructure, heating equipment nearing
the end of its useful life, and a significant reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in
substantial and avoidable GHG emissions. The client’s primary constraint was to
drastically reduce the carbon footprint of these iconic buildings while
maintaining occupant comfort and operational continuity during construction.
Following the initial response to the request for proposals, the client challenged
GDI Ainsworth to raise the bar, leading to an even more ambitious renovation
program.
Methodology
Detailed feasibility study to assess baseline energy performance and identify
inefficiencies in both properties.
Assessment of existing mechanical systems, controls, and heating infrastructure
to quantify the potential for improvement.
Definition of a three-step energy reduction strategy: recommissioning, energy
recovery, and renewable energy supply.
Design of integrated measures combining passive efficiency gains and active
heat recovery technologies.
ESCO delivery model (design-build) with guaranteed energy savings, project
management, engineering, construction, commissioning, training, and
measurement & verification (M&V).
Solution
Comprehensive replacement of lighting with LED fixtures throughout all
buildings.
Re-commissioning and addition of control points to re-optimize building
operations and improve occupant comfort.
Installation of an electric boiler and an internal heat recovery system via a
hydraulic network (Guy-Favreau).
Upgrade of the boiler room and replacement of end-of-life heating coils in
the lean-to buildings (Guy-Favreau).
Installation of an air-to-water heat pump and an internal heat recovery
system (Dominique-Ducharme).
Covering residual energy consumption with clean, renewable electricity
from Hydro-Québec.
The Ripple Effect
Financial: $286,178 in annual energy cost savings; total project cost of
$8,844,701 with $307,913 in government grants secured.
Payback period of 9.9 years (net of maintenance investments).
Environmental / ESG: A reduction of 2,582 metric tons of CO₂ per year,
representing 92.9% of the facilities’ total GHG emissions. Nearly complete
decarbonization of both buildings.
Operational: Redundant heating sources enhance climate resilience and
system reliability; replacing end-of-life equipment reduces maintenance
risks and improves long-term performance.
Strategic: Demonstrates the viability of deep renovation programs for large-
scale, occupied federal facilities. This model is replicable for the
decarbonization goals of the SPAC real estate portfolio.
