Renovating or expanding a commercial building involves a lot of decision‑making. The planning stages are the perfect time to make smart choices that’ll really pay off, like opting for more efficient equipment and systems. Here are five measures that integrate seamlessly into a commercial renovation project and will generate energy savings in the long term.
1. Geothermal heat pump: A smart investment beneath your feet
Expansion projects are a great opportunity to switch to geothermal energy. Why? Since you’re excavating, you might as well make the most of the opportunity to install a system that draws energy from the ground—a free, stable and renewable source—to heat and cool your building.
While the initial investment can be substantial, a geothermal heat pump is the measure for which the Efficient Solutions Program offers the most financial support.
Quick tip
The service life of a geothermal heat pump can exceed 20 years, and the system’s underground circuit can remain in operation for more than 50 years.
2. A rooftop heating and cooling system
If your building relies on a rooftop heating and cooling system, consider upgrading it during renovations by installing an aerothermal heat pump on an air‑conditioning unit with a variable‑speed compressor.
It will accurately adjust the temperature, reduce energy use and extend the system’s service life without requiring major modifications. It’s an especially efficient solution to optimize the energy performance of your building and the comfort of its occupants.
3. A heat pump for hot water: Don’t miss the opportunity
When we think of energy efficiency, space heating often comes to mind. But domestic hot water accounts for a significant share of our energy consumption, especially in high‑traffic buildings like restaurants, health care facilities and sports centres.
Installing a heat pump for hot water is a simple, cost‑effective solution that delivers quick and consistent savings without changing a building’s architecture.
4. Waste heat recovery: A strategy that makes sense
You already pay for heating and ventilation, so why let that energy go to waste? The right heat recovery system traps the heat contained in exhaust air and reuses it to preheat water or fresh air.
Here are a few options worth considering:
- Cassette heat exchanger: the most efficient choice since it outperforms all other technologies
- Enthalpy plate heat exchanger: ideal for high airflow systems
- Heat recovery wheel: for large air volumes like those in office buildings and sports centres
5. Proven energy efficiency solutions
Less noticeable but just as effective, these long-established energy efficiency measures continue to deliver on their promises and are eligible for financial support.
- Thermal envelope: Good insulation reduces heat loss, increases comfort in winter and summer and helps you better manage your costs.
- Certified LED light fixtures: They consume almost no electricity and have a long service life. Here’s a tip: choose DLC Premium fixtures to qualify for more substantial financial support.
- Variable frequency drives (VFDs): By controlling the speed of the motors, pumps or compressors based on real demand, VFDs improve energy efficiency and extend the service lives of the systems.
Every improvement counts!
When a project is getting underway, anything’s possible. But once the walls are painted and the systems are installed, there are far fewer options. Improving the energy performance of your commercial buildings is a smart way to lower your operating costs and contribute to the collective effort to decarbonize Québec. Thanks to the programs and financial assistance offered by Hydro‑Québec, you can count on the support you need to turn vision into action.
