PLAN/NET ZERØ

We are aiming for the lowest possible CO2 emissions, particularly for heating, electricity, transportation and purchasing. Setting quantifiable targets is part of the project itself and will be done in the coming months with research, industry, and technology collaborators.

It’s also worth noting that because of their varying age and activities, we may need building-by-building scenarios. The Facilities Management team will be responsible for setting targets.

Decarbonation can be complex and specific, so we need a long-term vision. Therefore, we are looking at a 10-year timeline with work done in phases. We understand that some people will see that timeline as ambitious for the type of innovations and changes we are targeting but we think objectives and collaborations will help move projects along at a reasonable pace. 

Successful GHG reductions, notably in our northern climate, are best achieved through a mix of solutions, tailored to specific buildings. Since there is no “one-size fits all” ideal, we will analyse and design the best energy transition scenarios building by building. Furthermore, because of the need to limit pressure on the overall hydroelectric grid, we’ll be seeking a diversity of solutions. 

Our overarching goal is to address climate change, something that requires research and innovation. PLAN/NET ZERØ will provide a model for researchers, students and industry leaders. Furthermore, we are looking at our campuses as a whole, not just the buildings. Finally, as in the case of other influential research, the intention is to share findings so that others can use our living lab project as a blueprint for their own transformations.

Though it’s too early in the project to get into the expected details, we don’t expect to intervene the same way across all our buildings. Some need significant work while others are already performing well and LEED certified. That’s one reason why PLAN/NET ZERØ considers the campuses in their integrity.

The focus of PLAN/NET ZERØ is to improve our existing spaces. If and when we do build something new, the findings and lessons of PLAN/NET ZERØ would be applied. 

Our strategy is to minimize carbon credit purchasing.

We hope so! Onsite energy generation is a way to make our campuses more resilient while also doing our part to avoid adding pressure on the grid. Therefore, we will consider it wherever feasible.

Aside from energy generation, we’ll be looking at energy storage, innovative control systems and other measures to optimize the systems.

Though we will seek to gather data as part of the research component of the project, we will abide by applicable laws that are already in place for privacy protection. We want to optimize our campuses while respecting our community’s comfort level and right to privacy. We will be transparent about any form of monitoring and seek community approval before implementing anything.

In addition to researchers, we’re looking for industry leaders with experience in technology-based, energy-saving retrofits. We will be providing them with a showcase opportunity at a time when jurisdictions across the globe are demanding this kind of work. By partnering with us, they will gain invaluable credibility, data and expertise that will serve their future projects.