Alliance of Exemplary Buildings
This collective movement aims to accelerate the energy transition, help organizations reap tangible benefits and proudly demonstrate their commitment.
Play a leading role in the energy transition
Managers of large buildings are joining forces around a shared commitment to adopt best practices in energy use.
On this page:
Exclusive members benefits
Enhanced financial support
Access enhanced financial support to purchase high‑efficiency equipment. Your projects may qualify for a bonus of up to 10%.
Access to expertise
Get personalized guidance from a Hydro‑Québec engineer who specializes in demand response.
Recognized leadership
Strengthen your position as a committed leader and align your brand with Québec’s energy future.
What does it mean to be part of the Alliance?
It means joining a collective movement that’s affecting real change. This commitment also comes with responsibilities to ensure your actions lead to lasting impacts and tangible results.
Read the Guide for building managers [PDF 56 kB – in French only]
What you commit to do:
- Reduce lighting outside occupancy hours
- Adjust set temperatures
- Lower electricity use by 10%
- Curtail at least 20% of the building’s maximum power demand
- Demonstrate your commitment to your employees, clients and partners
What you commit to implement:
- Three‑year energy savings plan
- High‑performance equipment
- Optimization and maintenance of electromechanical systems
- Demand Response (DR) Option
The Alliance in action
Commercial and institutional building managers are leading the way by taking an active role in the energy transition. Get inspired by their initiatives and see how they’re turning their ambition into tangible actions.
Who can join the Alliance?
The Alliance is for building managers who want to take concrete action towards energy excellence. To become a member, you must meet specific eligibility criteria.
If you are not eligible, we offer other business solutions that may be a better fit.
- The building is located in Québec.
- The organization has been a Hydro-Québec customer for at least three years. Municipal systems are not eligible.
- The total building area is more than 5,000 m² (more than 50,000 sq. ft.).
- The service contract is under business rate G, M or LG.
- The building is dedicated to commercial or institutional use. Multi‑unit residential buildings with commercial spaces are not eligible.
Becoming a member
Joining Hydro‑Québec’s Alliance of Exemplary Buildings means embarking on a structured and ambitious process that’s rooted in your practices and sustainably improves your energy performance.
Express your interest
Take the first step by filling out the intent form.
Take the first stepOfficially commit
Once your eligibility is confirmed, sign the participation agreement and agree to the Alliance’s commitments.
Put your commitments into action
Put your plan’s commitments into practice and move towards achieving Exemplary Building status.
Earn exemplary status
Once you’ve met your commitments, your building will be recognized as an Exemplary Building. Continue implementing measures to maintain your status.
FAQ
Yes, you can, provided each one meets the eligibility criteria listed on this page.
Projects submitted through the Efficient Solutions Program – which grants financial assistance to cover heating, ventilation, automation, geothermal systems and energy optimization equipment – are generally eligible. Hydro‑Québec’s technical team will guide you based on your specific project.
The first step is to conduct an energy analysis, which we can provide financial support for. While optional for the Alliance, the energy analysis will help you better understand your organization’s energy use with respect to buildings, equipment and processes in order to identify the most promising optimization options. You can work with an engineering consulting firm to assess your energy use, target the most effective measures and prioritize them based on their technical, energy and financial impacts.
The Alliance is based on collaboration and ongoing improvement. If you don’t meet your commitments, we’ll help you adapt your action plan and support your next steps.
No. However, follow-ups are carried out with members to provide guidance and ensure the objectives are met. These collaborative follow‑ups are meant to support members in the process.
