Capitale-Nationale and Ecosystem Collaborate on a $46M Project

CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale is implementing the largest decarbonization initiative in the Quebec healthcare system through a guaranteed energy savings project.

Quebec, June 10, 2024 – To improve the energy performance of its health and social services facility, as well as to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and manage aging mechanical systems, le Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale-Nationale (Capitale Nationale University Health and Social Services Center) is launching the largest decarbonization initiative in the Quebec healthcare network through a guaranteed energy savings project.

This initiative was announced today by the Deputy General Manager, Strategic Planning and Performance at CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Marie-Claude Beauchemin, along with the Director of Technical Services, Patrick Ouellet.

The project, representing a total investment of over $46 million, will be implemented in 19 facilities in the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale. It is supported by $18 million of funding from the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS, Health and Social Services Ministry) and $14.1 million from various subsidy programs (Énergir, Bureau de la transition climatique et énergétique, and Hydro-Québec).

Achieving the Objectives of Plan Pour Une Économie verte 2030

The project aims to make these buildings more financially, environmentally, and operationally efficient. It will enable CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale to achieve, and even surpass, the objectives of the Plan pour une économie verte 2030 (Green Economy), resulting in:

• 71% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• 31% reduction in energy consumption
• annual savings of $3 million (29%)
• ROI of 5.45 years

CO₂ Heat Pump for the First Time in Quebec

To achieve this, the plan involves converting steam heating systems to hot water networks and replacing several aging boilers, thereby enhancing energy resilience. The significant reduction in fossil fuel use and the adoption of renewable energy sources through the installation of air-source heat pumps and heat recovery systems will decarbonize and decrease energy consumption across the 19 implementation sites.

The project will also utilize, for the first time in Quebec, an innovative CO2 heat pump, for heating purposes. This novel application has significant potential for decarbonizing buildings in a northern environment such as Quebec.

This project will also contribute to improving the quality of life for both users and staff of the facility.

In Collaboration With Ecosystem

The project will be carried out in collaboration with Ecosystem. This North American integrated engineering and construction firm is headquartered in Quebec and specializes in energy and decarbonization projects.