Ecocamionnage Program - Logistics Project

The Écocamionnage program provides financial assistance to companies, organizations, and individuals in the road freight transport sector in Quebec, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved logistics and efficient vehicle management. Eligible projects can receive up to $125,000, covering up to 50% of project costs, to support innovative solutions in the transport of goods.

The Écocamionnage program, managed by the Ministry of Transport in Quebec, is a crucial financial assistance initiative designed to address the urgent need for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the road freight transport sector. This initiative is geared towards supporting projects that foster innovative solutions to improve logistics, optimize load management, and enhance overall operational efficiencies in the transportation of goods. Here, we delve into the details of the grant, including eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the benefits it offers to stakeholders.

The primary objective of the Écocamionnage program is to support initiatives that lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions within the road freight transport sector. By promoting the adoption of advanced logistics strategies and innovative technologies, the program aims to improve the environmental footprint of the transportation industry, thereby contributing to Quebec's broader goals of sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

The program targets a specific segment of the transport industry with clear eligibility requirements: ### Sector of Activity Projects must directly relate to the improvement of logistics within the road freight transport sector or involve the use of heavy vehicles. The grant is not applicable to projects involving passenger transport vehicles. ### Energy Efficiency and GHG Reduction Eligible projects must demonstrate potential improvements in energy efficiency or significant reductions in GHG emissions. The focus is on practical, impactful strategies that can sustainably lower emissions over time. ### Applicants Eligible applicants include companies, organizations, and individuals actively engaged in the road freight transport sector or using heavy vehicles. Importantly, applicants must be registered with the Registre des propriétaires et des exploitants de véhicules lourds de la Commission des transports du Québec and hold a satisfactory safety rating. Additionally, the applicant must own or operate the targeted heavy vehicles. ### Geographic Criteria Applicants must be based in Quebec, ensuring that the benefits of the program are localized and contribute directly to the province's environmental goals. ### Admissible Vehicles Eligible vehicles include heavy vehicles as defined under Quebec's regulations, off-road heavy vehicles, and light commercial vehicles under 4,500 kg gross weight. Additionally, low-speed vehicles and cargo bikes with electric assistance are also considered.

### Application Process Applicants must submit their financial aid requests via mail or email, including a detailed project description. The process involves a thorough review to ensure completeness and adherence to eligibility criteria. ### Project Analysis A preliminary analysis by a technical committee evaluates each project based on several criteria, including technological and methodological quality, potential GHG reduction impacts, and socioeconomic benefits. The committee assigns scores, and projects must meet specific thresholds to receive a favorable recommendation. ### Necessary Documentation Applicants must furnish a quantification report of GHG reduction, prepared by a certified individual under the CSA ISO 14064-2 standard. Upon approval, this report forms the basis for determining the amount of financial aid. ### Approval and Implementation Upon acceptance, successful applicants receive a confirmation letter detailing the aid amount. Projects deemed viable can then proceed to implementation.

### Ongoing Compliance Applicants must keep the Ministry updated on project progress and any variations from the initial proposal. This includes bi-annual progress reports detailing the percentage of work completed. ### Final Evaluation Upon project completion, applicants are required to submit a verification report certifying the actual GHG reductions achieved. This report, prepared by a different certified individual under CSA ISO 14064-3, must be submitted within two years of project implementation.

### Funding Amounts The program offers financial aid of up to $125,000 per project or 50% of eligible expenses, whichever is lower. This helps in offsetting the costs associated with implementing energy-efficient and emission-reducing technologies. A notable cap is set at $500 per ton of GHG emissions reduced. ### Annual Cap The maximum aid available to a single applicant is $1,000,000 per calendar year. Additionally, costs for preparing the quantification and verification reports are reimbursed, capped at $15,000 in total. ### Eligible Expenses The program covers a broad range of project-related expenses, including: - Salaries and benefits for internal staff working on the project. - Costs for equipment, materials, and supplies directly used in the project. - Software and data processing equipment necessary for project objectives. - Training expenses directly related to the project. - External service fees and travel expenses within Quebec. ### Ineligible Expenses Certain expenses are not covered, including: - Debt financing and loan repayments. - General-purpose acquisitions (e.g., office furniture, computers). - Unplanned costs or unrelated activities. - Taxes and preparation costs for the funding application.

### Payment Structure Funding is disbursed in two phases: 1. **Initial Payment**: 25% of the approved aid is released upon submission of necessary documentation, including the quantification report and initial project invoices. 2. **Final Payment**: 75% of the aid is disbursed upon successful completion and verification of the project, evidencing the actual GHG reductions. ### Adjustments The Ministry reserves the right to adjust funding based on the actual results versus the projected outcomes. If the project fails to meet its emission reduction targets, the grant may be recalibrated accordingly.

### Duration Projects must be completed within 36 months from the funding confirmation date. In exceptional cases, a six-month extension may be granted, provided there is a valid justification. ### Early Termination If a project cannot be completed within the extended timeframe, the Ministry may halt further payments and demand a partial or full refund of the disbursed amount.

### Documentation Applicants must submit a comprehensive application, encompassing all required information on the project. This includes detailed descriptions, objectives, financial breakdowns, and timelines. ### Form Availability The application form and accompanying guide are accessible through the Ministry’s website. Ensuring all sections are meticulously completed will facilitate a smoother evaluation process.

Before applying, potential applicants are encouraged to review all related documents and guidelines available on the Ministry of Transport’s website. Completed applications can be sent to the following: **By Mail:** Programme Écocamionnage Direction des aides aux individus et aux entreprises (DAIE) Ministère des Transports 700, boulevard René-Lévesque Est, local A.02 Québec (Québec) G1R 5H1 **Contacts:** **Local Calls**: 418 266-6647 **Toll-Free**: 1 888 717-8082 **Email**: ecocamionnage@transports.gouv.qc.ca

The Écocamionnage program plays a pivotal role in driving the sustainability agenda within Quebec's road freight transport sector. By providing substantial financial incentives for projects that aim to reduce GHG emissions, the program not only helps in mitigating environmental impact but also promotes innovative logistical efficiency. For companies in the transport sector, this represents a significant opportunity to align operational objectives with environmental stewardship.