Energy efficiency and sustainable building
Energy efficiency and sustainable building projects are closely linked to improved housing conditions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the evolution of construction and renovation policies in Québec. In 2008, Équiterre spearheaded many activities for the public in order to promote and implement energy conservation measures.
Educating
Équiterre was present at Le Montréal du futur exhibition, from March 25 to 31, to educate people about the Centre for sustainable development. A travelling show on sustainable building was created for this event. The exhibit was also used at the Salon national de l’environnement last June 13 to 15, where we were able to reach a total of more than 1,500 visitors.
From March 14 to 23, Équiterre was part of the Montréal National Home Show. This event attracted between 150,000 and 165,000 visitors who were able to find information on energy efficiency at the Équiterre booth.
Training the New Generation
Ecologez, the competition
On the morning of March 8, a group of 60 university students from the architecture, design, urban planning and engineering programs met at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) to face a tough challenge: take 24 hours to create a vision of the Biosphere building on Montréal’s Île Sainte-Hélène as it might appear in 2017, when it will be 50 years old (it was built for the Expo 67 World’s Fair). Seven multidisciplinary teams competed in the third Écologez competition, presenting daring and relevant projects. The competition, organized by Équiterre, ÉTS and the ByTheOwner.com realty website, will help train a new generation that is turned on to green construction.
Trailer for the "Écologez 2008" documentary by ByTheOwner
Acting
Éconologis
After 10 years delivering the Éconologis program for the Agence de l’efficacité énergétique du Québec, Équiterre decided to pull out of the program in the spring of 2008. The organization wanted to refocus its activities on the goals of its new strategic plan and let other organizations in the Montréal area take over. In 2008, Équiterre carried out 325 home visits and advised 838 people in Montréal on how to increase the energy efficiency of their apartments.
Rénoclimat
The Rénoclimat program offers owners of existing homes an energy assessment of their home and advice on energy-saving renovations for a small fee. Équiterre is certified to deliver the program in Montréal and Laval, and completed 464 home visits this year. These encounters benefited both the property owners, who saved energy and therefore money, as well as the environment. Many property owners were also able to obtain grants to carry out renovation work.
Energy efficiency advisory committee
In May 2008, the Agence de l’efficacité énergétique du Québec updated the “energy efficiency” section of the Code du bâtiment (building code). Équiterre was invited to participate in meeting of an advisory committee that is helping to design new regulations. This work will continue in 2009.