ÉcoPerformance — Simplified Implementation
QC, Canada
Financial support for simple and quick projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 07, 2018
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive predefined and pre-quantified funding for efficiency, energy conversion and fugitive emission reduction projects.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for the ÉcoPerformance program under the simplified implementation section include energy efficiency projects, energy conversion projects, and projects aimed at reducing fugitive emissions.
- Energy efficiency projects
- Energy conversion projects
- Reduction of fugitive emissions projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$175,000
Ottawa
Energy optimization for a financial cooperative’s data center
$130,000
Quebec City
Retrofitting heating systems in a non-profit community center
$250,000
Calgary
Reduction of fugitive methane emissions in a biogas plant
$85,000
Montreal
Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting in office buildings
$250,000
Vancouver
Implementation of a solar water heating system in a production facility
$250,000
Toronto
Conversion of a diesel-powered fleet to electric vehicles for a delivery company
grant_single_labels|admissibility
ÉcoPerformance's simplified implementation program offers financial support for companies undertaking energy efficiency, energy conversion, and fugitive emissions reduction projects.
- Projects must be simple and quick to implement.
- Professional engineering services are not required for application submission or energy savings quantification.
- Eligible project types include energy efficiency, energy conversion, and fugitive emissions reduction.
- Financial support is capped at $100,000 per measure and $250,000 per site annually.
- Applicants must follow the specified procedure for their sector: maple syrup producers, supermarkets and convenience stores, small businesses, institutions, industries, and greenhouse producers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The ÉcoPerformance program's simplified implementation offers financial support to various types of companies looking to quickly implement energy-efficient measures, energy conversion, or reduction of fugitive emissions projects. Specific eligible sectors include agricultural producers and various retail industries.
- Maple producers (Producteurs acéricoles)
- Supermarkets and convenience stores (Supermarchés et dépanneurs)
- Small businesses, institutions, and industries (Petits commerces, institutions et industries)
- Greenhouse producers (Producteurs serricoles)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant, including energy efficiency projects, energy conversion projects, and reduction of fugitive emissions projects.
- Energy efficiency projects
- Energy conversion projects
- Reduction of fugitive emissions projects
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria for the ÉcoPerformance program's "Implantation simplifiée" include:
- Aid financial amount requested
- Energy savings and GHG reduction potential
- Relevance of the project with the program
- Economic viability and cost-effectiveness
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Consult the measure offered according to your sector of activity.
- Step 2: Find the procedure to follow for your sector (e.g., acéricoles, supermarchés, petits commerces, institutions, industries, serre producers).
- Step 3: Prepare the required documents based on the list provided for your sector.
- Step 4: Submit the financial aid request with all necessary documentation.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The ÉcoPerformance program provides financial support for various types of emission reduction projects, with simplified procedures for swift implementation, particularly beneficial for small to medium enterprises not requiring engineering services.
- Three types of emission reduction projects are supported: energy efficiency, energy conversion, and reduction of fugitive emissions.
- Maximum financial aid per measure is $100,000, with an annual site cap of $250,000.
- The financial aid granted is based on predefined criteria per measure.
- Specific procedures and required documents are outlined according to sectors such as maple producers, supermarkets, small businesses, institutions, industries, and greenhouse producers.
- Reduction of administrative constraints to facilitate quick and easy application processes.
Apply to this program
ÉcoPerformance Grant Overview
The ÉcoPerformance program in Quebec provides financial assistance to businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. It supports energy analyses and the implementation of energy-efficiency and conversion projects, with updated guidelines effective from October 3, 2023.
ÉcoPerformance: Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Reducing Emissions in Quebec
The ÉcoPerformance program is a vital initiative that aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and enhance energy efficiency in the industrial, commercial, institutional, municipal, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors across Quebec. This program is administered by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks and receives financial backing from both the Fund for Electrification and Climate Change (FECC) as well as energy distributors. Additionally, the federal government participates through the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF), ensuring robust support for initiatives aimed at building a more sustainable future.
The primary objective of ÉcoPerformance is to aid businesses and organizations in conducting energy analyses and implementing energy-efficiency projects and energy conversion measures. These initiatives contribute to reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating emissions of GHGs and other pollutants. The program aligns with Quebec’s Plan for a Green Economy 2030, which strives for a significant transformation towards sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
Program Offerings
The ÉcoPerformance program features several key components to cater to the diverse needs of different sectors and project types:
- Energy Analysis: This component supports businesses in conducting thorough energy analyses to identify potential areas for improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Notably, funding for standard analyses for large energy consumers has been increased from $50,000 to $75,000.
- Retro-Commissioning (RCx): This involves fine-tuning building mechanical systems to optimize their performance. The program now allows RCx plans to be authored by either an engineer or an accredited RCx agent and requires investigation reports to identify measures representing at least 5% of the site's pre-project energy consumption.
- Energy Management: This component provides support for businesses aiming to achieve ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification, with a financial aid cap of $10,000.
- Simplified Implementation: Intended for less complex projects, this streamlining helps businesses execute straightforward energy efficiency improvements.
- Commercial and Institutional Bionergy: This newly incorporated stream focuses on energy conversion projects involving natural gas and electricity for commercial and institutional entities.
- Standard Implementation: This option is designed to facilitate moderately complex energy efficiency projects across a variety of sectors.
- Major Industrial Projects: This segment supports large-scale, intricate projects aimed at substantial energy efficiency enhancements. Unique to this component, companies that voluntarily adhere to the cap-and-trade system (SPEDE) are now eligible for funding.
Key Updates and Modifications
The revised guidelines for the ÉcoPerformance program, effective from October 3, 2023, incorporate several important changes intended to improve the program’s efficiency and expand its reach:
- Project Timelines: The updated guidelines extend the completion deadlines for most project types, offering businesses enhanced flexibility to implement their energy-saving measures effectively.
- Administrative Timeline: A new 30-day administrative period has been introduced for the submission of financial assistance applications, facilitating smoother processing and assessment of project eligibility and expenditures.
- Updated Rates and Fees: Both internal and external hourly rates have been revised, and a maximum of 5% of administrative fees are now admissible.
- Eligibility Expansion: The program now acknowledges techno-economic studies for energy source conversion at mining sites as part of complex analyses.
- Refrigeration Projects: Aligning with the revised Halocarbons Regulation, the program now supports refrigeration systems operating on CO2 used concurrently for agro-food processes and food preservation at industrial sites, regardless of compressor power.
- Funding Constraints: Projects accepted between December 7, 2018, and March 31, 2024, under ÉcoPerformance, Biomass Forest Residue, or Bioenergy programs, are ineligible for additional financial aid under any program funded by the federal Low Carbon Economy Fund.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
The ÉcoPerformance program is accessible to companies or business groups from all sectors (commercial, institutional, municipal, industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing) that consume fossil fuels or utilize processes emitting GHGs. This inclusivity ensures that both small businesses and large energy consumers can benefit from the program’s offerings.
To apply for financial assistance under the ÉcoPerformance program, businesses must follow these steps:
- Review the updated normative framework and refer to the revised templates available online. Businesses must use the latest forms as older versions will no longer be accepted.
- Determine the specific project type that aligns with the intended energy efficiency or conversion initiative, such as energy analysis, mechanical system retro-commissioning, or bionergy projects.
- Compile necessary documentation and prepare a comprehensive application detailing the project scope, expected energy savings, and anticipated reduction in GHG emissions.
- Submit the application within the 30-day administrative period for initial review and eligibility verification.
Successful applicants will receive tailored financial assistance to support the implementation of their projects, enabling them to achieve significant energy savings and contribute to Quebec’s overarching environmental goals.
Conclusion
The ÉcoPerformance program represents a cornerstone in Quebec's strategy to foster sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy efficiency across various sectors. By providing financial support for energy analyses and project implementations, the program empowers businesses to make meaningful strides towards a greener future. With the updated guidelines and expanded eligibility criteria, ÉcoPerformance continues to drive significant environmental progress, helping Quebec lead by example in the global fight against climate change.
