The 2022-2025 edition of BEC 2.0 is well underway. I am sure you are aware of small changes made to the program, the most important being that the closing date is now May 31 and the rules now allow for the addition of the electrical power variable for those concerned. The annual and the end-of-competition awards (after 4 years) will continue, as we pay tribute to better energy performance and reductions in GHGs. Full steam ahead!
The goal of the BEC is to help you manage energy in your buildings as efficiently as possible, and to strive for continuous improvement in your systems and practices. The real estate market is always challenging, even more so since the start of the pandemic. Insecurity, strategic re-evaluation of the real estate business and labour shortages are probably the most pressing issues. Your diligence as regards energy management might have waned somewhat during the pandemic, but don’t be discouraged. The most important factor is persistence, a steadfast approach in all your buildings. The BEC acknowledges champions, but also participation and commitment.
2022 has come and gone. You have until May 31 to enter your energy consumption data and confirm your participation in Year 1 of the 2nd edition, and to fly your colours as an agent of change. Thanks to the BEC, the data you enter on the ESPM platform will also serve for compliance with the new City of Montreal regulations for buildings of 5000 m2 or more, and also for upcoming obligations from the provincial government. Another good reason to pursue participation in the BEC.
These are technical points adjacent to our effort to encourage ongoing commitment. Beyond your commitment and your convictions, what are the results and impacts for you as a building manager? More than 15% of your operating expenses are energy-related. You have some control over those expenditures, especially given current vacancy rates.
When drafting your budget, there’s no room for improvisation. The attitude of “But summers are hotter and winters aremilder” is no longer acceptable. ESPM is a great tool for bringing things into focus: comparative analysis – 2021 to 2022, analysis of weather, vacancy rates and GHG emissions, target planning, transferring information to our consultants, reports sent to building owners, audit of GHG emissions for a corporate portfolio, energy performance reports sent to tenants, planning operating budgets (OPEX) and capitalisation (CAPEX), etc. All that is available to you. The energy performance report for 2021-2022 that you will receive from BEC is one that you can do yourself. It is a key tool for analysis and decision-making.
Let me reiterate that as we end Year 1 of the BEC for 2022, now’s the time to recharge your batteries and pursue your commitment. You have until May 31.
You’ll receive more news soon!
Mario Poirier
Program Director
