Quebec’s energy ecosystem is currently undergoing major structural change. Decarbonization objectives and the growing electricity needs of our industries are putting significant pressure on our infrastructures, particularly our power grids. Between regulatory requirements, energy availability, resilience issues and the quest for energy performance, building managers and owners are having to rethink their strategies. Energy loops, put forward in the recent recommendations of the Réseau Énergie et Bâtiments (REB), are emerging as an innovative and cost-effective solution for transforming building energy management.
What is an energy loop?
An energy loop is a thermal network linking several buildings to pool their heating and cooling needs, while recovering waste heat. This approach enables :
- Reduce energy demand from distributors (Hydro-Québec, Energir).
- Postpone investment in centralized infrastructure.
- Enhance resilience in the event of climatic emergencies (e.g. ice storms).
- Gradually integrate renewable energy sources.
- Pool costs and accelerate the profitability of low-carbon solutions such as geothermal energy.
How can energy loops be integrated into real estate projects?
The REB recommendations highlight several levers to facilitate the adoption of energy loops:
- Territorial planning: Identify high-potential areas and link energy and urban planning.
- Stakeholder coordination: Structuring project governance to secure investments and reduce risks.
- Adapted regulations: regulate the thermal energy transported, make it compulsory to recover thermal waste and modify the building code to avoid penalizing buildings connected to a loop.
- Financial incentives: Simplify documentation, facilitate financing of opportunity studies and additional connection costs.
Kolostat and Krome expertise: tailor-made solutions
At Kolostat and Krome, we support property managers and developers in the design, optimization and management of energy loops:
- Re-engineering HVAC systems to maximize recovery and redistribution of thermal energy.
- Advanced energy modeling to identify heat sources and optimize flows between buildings.
- Managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Regulatory support to anticipate changes in standards and guarantee compliance.
- Development of customized solutions for decarbonizing real estate portfolios (geothermal, aerothermal, integration of renewable sources).
How do I take action?
To accelerate the energy transition of your real estate assets:
- Integrate energy planning right from the start of your projects.
- Encourage the pooling of energy needs and resources wherever possible.
- Benefit from existing financial incentives to remove barriers to initial investment.
Conclusion
Energy loops are much more than a trend: they represent a concrete opportunity to decarbonize, optimize and valorize thermal energy in your buildings. Kolostat and Krome have the technical and strategic expertise to support you in this transformation. Contact us to discuss your projects and find out how energy loops can improve the environmental and financial performance of your buildings.