Project Experts
Geneviève Gauthier Project Director
Béatrice Cyr Senior energy efficiency analyst
Lucie Chatain Project Coordinator
Toward Better Energy Performance: CGC Inc. Implements an ISO 50001-Certified Energy Management System
- Client
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Year
2025
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Region
- North America (USA-Canada)
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Service
- Energy Management Systems (EMS)
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Countries
Canada
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Provinces
Quebec
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Sector
- Industrial
CGC Montreal is a manufacturing plant specializing in gypsum boards. In collaboration with Econoler, a techno-economic potential study was conducted to identify decarbonization opportunities within its operations. Following this study, the plant expressed interest in implementing a structured Energy Management System (EMS) certified ISO 50001 to adopt a more responsible approach to energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
A Partnership Built on Vision and Impact
CGC had a clear ambition: to evolve its operational practices and take meaningful action to meet tomorrow’s energy challenges. In an industrial landscape where energy performance is becoming a strategic advantage, CGC made the bold decision to implement a structured, ISO 50001-certified EMS. This collaboration is a perfect example of what can be achieved when strategic vision and technical expertise meet.
A Structured Approach to Energy Management
The EnMS implementation is part of a broader initiative to improve energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Econoler’s team worked closely with CGC through:
- Kickoff workshops introducing ISO 50001 requirements to plant teams and explaining the project roadmap.
- On-site support to ensure proper adoption of EnMS practices, with regular collaboration across operations, engineering, maintenance, and shipping teams.
- Monthly progress updates and quarterly strategic meetings with management.
- Review and structuring of EnMS documentation and internal audit preparation for certification.
Through these steps, CGC’s employees became active participants in improving energy performance, fostering long-term engagement and ownership of the system.
ISO 50001: A Strategic Advantage
ISO 50001 provides a globally recognized framework for organizations to manage energy use effectively, reduce costs, and strengthen resilience against energy price fluctuations. Econoler offers comprehensive support, including:
- Initial assessments and audits to identify energy-saving opportunities
- Hands-on guidance for EnMS implementation
- Customized training for plant teams to ensure sustainable adoption
The EnMS allows CGC to track energy performance rigorously, prioritize high-impact actions, and continuously improve operational efficiency. Beyond energy savings, it positions the company to meet regulatory requirements and maintain competitiveness in a changing industrial landscape.
Benefits and Early Outcomes
The implementation of the EnMS has already begun to deliver tangible benefits:
- Mobilization of plant personnel around energy performance objectives
- Identification of high-impact energy-saving opportunities
- Establishment of clear performance indicators to track results
- Structured framework to ensure continuous improvement and ISO 50001 compliance
By embedding energy management into daily operations, CGC is laying the groundwork for measurable reductions in energy consumption and GHG emissions while enhancing operational efficiency.
The Way Forward
CGC’s partnership with Econoler demonstrates the power of combining strategic vision, technical expertise, and employee engagement to drive energy performance. By implementing an ISO 50001-certified EnMS, CGC is not only reducing costs and emissions but also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.
This project is a model of how structured energy management and expert support can turn ambitious environmental goals into measurable, lasting impact.
The Energy Committee at CGC will continue to oversee the EnMS, guiding continuous improvement and ensuring the plant remains aligned with its energy and decarbonization targets. CGC aims to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels), and the EnMS will serve as a roadmap to achieve this ambitious goal.