Energy Service Company (ESCO) Project Assistance

Vanier College is an English-language CEGEP located in the Saint-Laurent borough of Montreal. With more than 8,500 students on campus each year, this institution of higher education is renowned for its academic programs and athletic teams. To meet the government’s goals of setting an example in decarbonization and as part of its commitment to the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign, Vanier College has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. With aging mechanical systems in Building N on its campus, the college saw an opportunity for an energy efficiency project (EEP) with guaranteed savings and decarbonization targets. As part of this project, Vanier College therefore sought an energy service company (ESCO) capable of, on one hand, implementing energy efficiency measures that reflect its vision of carbon neutrality and, on the other hand, improving the indoor conditions of the building while generating energy savings. One of the major challenges of this project will be to ensure the success of the EEP while guaranteeing a welcoming environment and comfort for staff and students whom Vanier College aims to prepare as leaders and global citizens of tomorrow.

Vanier College has mandated Econoler to assist in the implementation and monitoring of a guaranteed energy savings project with an ESCO. Econoler support, which will span several months, includes various distinct tasks: 

• Define the scope of the energy performance contract (EPC), set objectives, and determine the ESCO mode;

• Develop the baseline and collect relevant documentation: 

• Validate and complete mechanical equipment inventories;

• Inventory lighting fixtures and plans;

• Describe control systems;

• Conduct interviews to compile a list of required work and budget estimates for the work.

• Assist in the ESCO selection process:

• Prepare call for tender documents;

• Prepare the EPC;

• Evaluate the financial structure;

• Evaluate compliance of the financial structure.

• Develop a measurement and verification plan with the selected ESCO;

• Provide support during the measure implementation phase;

• Prepare post-construction annual reconciliation reports as part of the process to demonstrate actual performance.

The support of Econoler will enable Vanier College to achieve its energy efficiency (30% reduction in energy intensity) and decarbonization (95%) goals while reducing its energy bill, all without any financial risk to the institution.

The call for tenders was issued in March 2024, and the work was completed in December 2025. The energy savings monitoring period began on 1 January 2026.