Seven strategies to improve the cost‑effectiveness of your real estate projects

4 minutes reading

To improve the cost-effectiveness of real estate projects, one budget item stands out for its sustainable growth potential: energy. Relying on efficient equipment and shifting energy use to the right time—especially during winter peaks—can help reduce energy consumption.

Using less electricity by focusing on energy efficiency

Replacing high energy‑consuming equipment with more efficient options is one of the most effective ways to save energy and money. Instead of major construction projects or colossal investments, well‑targeted cost‑effective measures can yield sizeable short‑term gains.

Energy-efficient lighting

In the real estate management sector, lighting has a significant impact on electricity use. One of the simplest ways to quickly see substantial savings is to install LED lighting systems. Compared with incandescent options, they generate savings of 70% to 90%, and even more when paired with motion detectors.

If your business hasn’t made the transition yet, there’s no better time to make a start and take advantage of financial assistance while it’s available.

Heat recovery

Commercial buildings generate quite a lot of heat—a valuable source of energy that’s often released outdoors. Though very underdeveloped, waste heat can be converted into a key source of savings. By capturing and reclaiming the heat from drain water and exhaust air, heat recovery technologies can give your heating system a head start.

Heat pump installation

Heating and air conditioning are responsible for a significant share of your buildings’ energy expenses. Fortunately, certain technologies, such as heat pumps, deliver the same level of comfort at a fraction of the cost.

Aerothermal heat pumps are among the most efficient options, both in terms of heating and cooling.

The system works by transferring energy: it recovers heat from the outside air and distributes it inside the building or sends hot air from inside outside. The transfer occurs through the evaporation, compression and condensation of a refrigerant fluid that circulates through the coils of the heat pump, which is integrated into the building’s heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning (HVAC) system.

Refurbished mechanical systems

Refurbishment is essential to ensure the efficiency of mechanical systems. Over time, inspections and adjustments become necessary. An expert can assess your system’s performance and make recommendations to optimize settings and control sequences.

A regular maintenance schedule should also be part of your standard real estate management practices. Just like regular auto maintenance, minor interventions on your systems can prevent major breakdowns and lead to energy savings.

Financial assistance

Are the costs to purchase and install efficient equipment holding you back? Bear in mind that the recurring and significant savings you’ll achieve will make your investment well worth it.

Hydro-Québec offers substantial financial assistance that can cover up to 90% of the purchase and installation charges you incur—enough to recoup your investment in no time.

Learn more about the financial assistance available under the Efficient Solutions Program.

Shifting consumption: Make peak periods work for you

Contribute to the collective effort by reducing your energy use during winter peaks and earn a credit on your bill. That’s the twofold advantage of the DR Option. In the real estate management sector, two strategies can lead to major savings.

Controlling your buildings’ electricity use

Modulating the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in your buildings can help you lower your power demand during critical periods without compromising the occupants’ comfort or productivity. With automation, the process is even simpler: the systems operate and you don’t need to do a thing.

Resorting to an alternative energy source

An energy mix is another way to reduce your power demand without disrupting your regular operations. Concerned about your company’s carbon footprint? A renewable natural gas heating system is still the best solution. But keep in mind that using it only occasionally will have a negligible impact on your GHG emissions.