Decarbonizing real estate: a strategic choice

building materials. Therefore, decarbonization requires promoting energy efficiency in buildings, that is, to use energy skillfully, recover it and reduce consumption from the source.

"A great deal of housing was built before 2000 in Quebec," explains Yvonne Rudolph, a lecturer in the strategy, social responsibility and environment department at UCAM.

Some of them are "thermal passages," meaning they require too much energy for heating or cooling. Centralized and intelligent optimization systems can control the electrical consumption of buildings with motion, temperature or CO2 sensors for ventilation systems. It is also proposed to replace gas boilers, which are not really''natural, as their extraction, transportation and processing emit huge amounts of GHGs. In Quebec, oil heating systems can no longer be installed in new residential buildings as of 2021.

The choice of building materials also plays an important role. "We still build with cement, steel or glass, three materials whose production is accompanied by high GHG emissions," continues Yvon Rudolph. However, there are greener solutions, such as wood, as long as sustainable strategies are developed that minimize pressure on forest ecosystems and prioritize carbon storage and biodiversity.

Model of French courage

Mr. Rudolph notes that Canada and Quebec are still far''from initiatives taken in Europe. Especially in France, where owners are required to assess the energy efficiency and GHG emissions of their buildings. Housing that receives an A grade is considered well insulated and energy efficient, while a G grade corresponds to 'heat pass' or energy inefficiency. "Owners must inform tenants about energy efficiency under threat of a fine," elaborates the educator. The provincial government is currently working on a similar bill covering institutional, commercial and large residential buildings. The City of Montreal is ahead of them as it requires owners to disclose the energy performance and source of great buildings.

The most''Strong incentives financial.