Project Experts
Geneviève Gauthier Lead Expert, Chair of the BEC’s Technical Committee
Béatrice Cyr Senior Energy Efficiency Analyst
Lucie Chatain Project Coordinator in Energy Efficiency
Mintou Ndiaye Senior Energy Efficiency Analyst
Accelerating the Energy Transition in Québec’s Commercial Real Estate Sector
- Client
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Year
2018-2026
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Region
- North America (USA-Canada)
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Service
- Capacity Building
- Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Project Planning and Support
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Countries
Canada
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Provinces
Quebec
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Sector
- Agencies and Associations (NPOs)
- Commercial and Institutional
How do you mobilize a traditionally cautious sector toward change?
With the Building Energy Challenge (BEC), led by BOMA Québec and supported by Econoler, more than 300 commercial buildings have become true engines of change. Together, they have reduced GHG emissions, improved energy performance, and fostered a lasting culture of collaboration and transparency within Québec’s real estate industry.
A Sector Cautious in the Face of Climate Urgency
In 2016, within BOMA Québec’s Integrated Technical Management Committee, a strategic question emerged: how can we accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency measures in Québec’s commercial real estate sector?
Geneviève Gauthier, an expert at Econoler and lead for the committee’s energy component, faced a major challenge. While aware of climate imperatives, the sector remained cautious regarding structural changes and required investments.
Inspired by Toronto’s “Race to Reduce” program, the Econoler team envisioned a Québec-adapted initiative: a structured, credible, and friendly competition designed to reward performance and transparency.
The program was deployed across Quebec, with strong participation in the greater Montreal area. It evolved within a shifting regulatory landscape, including increasing requirements from the City of Montreal and the introduction of Bill 41 at the provincial level. The Challenge became a strategic preparation tool for building owners seeking to anticipate new performance and carbon neutrality obligations.
Mandate
Econoler was mandated to design, structure, and support the full implementation of the Building Energy Challenge.
Discover the Building Energy Challenge, powered by Econoler and led by BOMA Québec
Structuring, Financing, and Credibilizing a Large-Scale Initiative
Econoler was mandated to design, structure, and support the full implementation of the Building Energy Challenge.
The mandate included:
- Ideation and development of the business model (funded by BOMA Québec)
- Securing $1.6 million in program financing
- Designing the program and its operational mechanisms
- Conducting annual results analysis: data validation, performance evaluation, and award attribution
Econoler also ensures the program’s technical credibility through its specialized energy efficiency team.
Proposed Solution: A Friendly Competition Driving Energy Performance
The Building Energy Challenge is built on a simple yet bold approach:
- Voluntary participation from building owners
- Transparent sharing of energy consumption data
- Peer benchmarking
- Continuous year-over-year improvement
- Public recognition of results
The program goes beyond regulatory compliance. It reflects Econoler’s core values:
- Innovation – encouraging the adoption of new solutions
- Excellence – rigorous analysis and performance monitoring
- Respect – a collaborative approach grounded in market realities
The Challenge does not create savings—it reveals them, values them, and makes them visible.
A Lasting Catalyst for Québec’s Commercial Real Estate Sector
Concrete, Measurable, and Strategic Gains
Over nearly 10 years, the BEC has become a true sector-wide catalyst.
It has helped:
- Establish a culture of energy performance in commercial real estate
- Foster transparency and positive peer motivation
- Prepare the market for evolving regulatory requirements
- Maintain an apolitical, unifying approach independent of political cycles
The leadership of BOMA Québec, supported by key partners such as the City of Montréal, Hydro-Québec, and Énergir, has anchored the program sustainably within Québec’s real estate ecosystem.
Building owners and property managers benefit from:
- A clearer understanding of their energy performance
- Measurable reductions in operating costs
- Lower GHG emissions
- Valuable industry recognition
- Strategic positioning in anticipation of new regulations
All without mandates or direct subsidies—the savings are generated by participants’ own actions.
A Transformation Backed by Measurable Results
Sustaining Momentum Toward Carbon Neutrality
The Challenge’s 2.0 edition concludes in 2026. However, its success paves the way for a new generation of programs that are even more ambitious and inclusive.
Thanks to Econoler’s commitment and the mobilization of industry stakeholders, the Building Energy Challenge has become a cornerstone of Québec’s energy transition.
It demonstrates that with a clear vision, strong partnerships, and a supportive approach, even the most complex markets can move toward carbon neutrality.
Looking to design a mobilizing program in your sector?