There’s often a massive gap between good intentions and concrete progress. A lack of clarity on what truly warrants attention results in inaction, and every month lost to indecision means wasted energy, which comes at a premium.
Lever #1: Internal systems can power your building’s climate.
In an operational facility, energy is lost through ventilation, mechanical processes or hot surfaces on machinery. “Heat recovery” involves capturing this energy and reintroducing it into a building’s heating system – a measure that, on its own, can reduce annual energy consumption by up to 30% (see our adMare BioInnovations Project). Financing options make it possible to cover this cost without an upfront investment or the need to raise capital.
Lever #2: Reducing your operating expenses can eliminate energy dependence.
Decarbonization should be viewed as a financial safeguard that can protect against the volatility of global markets. By optimizing your operations, you can structurally reduce your energy bill, which helps cushion the impact of future rate hikes. Reducing operating expenses (OPEX) means regaining financial flexibility: every dollar not spent on energy strengthens your cash flow and resilience in the face of energy cost volatility.
Lever #3: The energy mix is a lever for everyone (not just the giants).
It’s often thought that carbon taxes only apply to large industrial emitters, but this is a misconception. In Quebec, any business that uses natural gas pays a carbon tax. The strategic lever here lies in optimizing your energy mix (your balance between gas and electricity). By initiating an “energy switch” from gas to electricity, businesses of all sizes can avoid a tax that will only increase, transforming a fiscal constraint into an opportunity for modernization.
Mistake #1: Measuring success based solely on energy consumption.
A classic mistake is judging the effectiveness of a decarbonization project based solely on the number of kWh saved. To measure the true ROI, non-energy benefits must be factored in. Inspired by the MBENEFITS method (developed by researcher Catherine Cooremans), this approach considers up to 60 indicators, such as improved user comfort, enhanced facility safety, regulatory compliance and brand image. A comprehensive project – such as switching to LED lighting – increases your building’s asset value and productivity far beyond simply lowering your energy bill. The challenge is to combine small actions with more significant measures to optimize overall profitability.
Mistake #2 : Forgetting that grants are awarded to those who’ve already started.
You may be thinking, “Why incur expenses before even submitting a grant application?” Be careful, this is a question we hear all the time, and it comes at a high price. It’s based on a fundamental misunderstanding that grants are awarded before a project begins. For example, to be eligible for ÉcoPerformance (Quebec) or IESO grants (Ontario), a technical report signed by a certified agent is required before any funds are disbursed. This is the paradox we encounter regularly: waiting for the grant is precisely what delays receiving it. Unfortunately, the time you lose waiting can’t be recovered on your energy bill.
Heat recovery, operational optimization and energy mixes: these three levers don’t require new regulations or the perfect set of circumstances. They require a strategic decision. By shifting from maintenance management to a comprehensive decarbonization strategy, you won’t just reduce your emissions – you’ll secure your costs, modernize your assets and improve the comfort of your facilities. The best time to act was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
