All buildings in Montreal will have to be exclusively powered by fully renewable energy by 2040, rather than 2050, and new construction will have to be “zero emissions” from 2025.
Mayor Valérie Plante made the announcement Tuesday morning at the Montreal Climate Summit taking place at Bonsecours Market.
The threshold of zero emissions take effect from 2024 for buildings less than 2,000 square meters, and from 2025 for building permit applications of 2,000 square meters and above.
Also, in 2023, it will be mandatory for owners of small buildings to declare all heating equipment using gasoline (oil or gas).
Regarding existing buildings, the goal is to boost them with 100% renewable energy by 2040.
” It is important and necessary action that we are taking to accelerate the ecological transition, because I repeat, we can no longer wait to act. “
The City intends to work in partnership with Hydro-Québec to encourage all promoters and developers to implement the most reliable solutions in energy efficiency.
The decarbonization of our economy notably involves efficient electrification of existing buildings. As much as it is necessary to reduce the use of fossil fuels, it is also important to do so at the best possible cost. We are very happy to support the City of Montreal in implementing best practices in this area.commented Sophie Brochu, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec.
From the beginning of this year, owners of large buildings must disclose the energy data of their buildings to the City.
The regulation, adopted in September 2021, aims to determine the use of fossil fuels in buildings to reduce their consumption.
In addition, Ivanhoé Cambridge, real estate division of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, took advantage of the summit to announce that it will reduce the carbon footprint of its assets in Montreal by 55% by 2030.
This commitment, which is currently equivalent to reducing approximately 8,000 tons of CO2 equivalent (teq. CO2) will allow the company’s portfolio in Montreal to follow a trajectory aligned with a 1.5 degree Celsius scenario, accordingly. for the purpose of the Paris Agreementsaid the property developer in a statement.
The University of Montreal Hospital Center (CHUM) also announced on Tuesday its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
Health and well -being are closely related to a healthy environment. Climate change caused by greenhouse gases is the biggest threat to human health in the 21st century and this is why CHUM incorporates environmental performance at the heart of its practices and the improvement of caresaid Dr. Stephan Williams, anesthesiologist and medical co-manager for carbon neutrality and sustainable development at CHUM.
Minister Charrette and Guilbeault attended
Nearly 500 people are participating in the Montreal Climate Summit, which aims to accelerate climate action in the metropolis.
Federal Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault spoke with Montreal leaders from the business, philanthropic, political, community and environmental communities who attended the event.
I have to admit that I can’t win all my battles, don’t think that with my government I can solve everything on my own.indicated by Minister Guilbeault, who specified that he understood the frustration of the people about the controversial Bay du Nord oil project, for which he gave his approval.
Several demonstrators disguised as clowns entered the Bonsecours Market to express their frustration with the Bay du Nord project.
Protesters shouted the name of Minister Guilbeault in a speech by Quebec Environment Minister Benoit Charette, but security officials quickly shut down the demonstration.
A group of organizations, including the Student Coalition for an Environmental and Social Shift (CEVES) and Extinction Rebellion Quebec, issued a press release about it clownish welcome.
In addition to condemning the Bay du Nord project, activists also lamented the cost of tickets for the Summit – student rate $ 75, rate NPO of $ 150, no affiliated single person, $ 195 -, judged prohibits for Communities in Montreal directly affected by climate change.
New agreement between the City and public health
Montreal’s regional director of public health, Dr. Mylène Drouin, was also among the speakers participating in the summit.
Additionally, the City announced a new agreement with the Regional Public Health Department to reduce the impacts of climate change on population health.
” We must quickly reach vulnerable people during climate disruption, green our neighborhoods and protect natural spaces, build public and active transportation and improve living conditions. “
The agreement must, in particular, allow identify public policies, practices and regulatory measures required to create facilities that promote the resilience of communities.
Several workshops address topics such as measures to adapt to climate change, alternatives to fossil fuels for housing stock, funding the fight against climate change and accelerating the electrification of transportation.
This summit was organized by the Montreal Climate Partnership and the City of Montreal, in collaboration with the Montreal Regional Council for the Environment, Vivre en ville, Institut du Québec, Propulsion Québec, Trottier Family Foundation and Junior Chamber of Montreal Business.
Source: Radio-Canada
