Dear BEC participants,
Current events in the USA are of concern to us all, given the poker game now being played on a planetary scale. Even Nostradamus himself certainly couldn't have counted on so much information and misinformation when making his grand predictions...
Perhaps we need to simplify this mass of information and keep the major trends clearly in sight. Anthropogenic (human-caused) global climate change is largely due to the use of fossil fuels, and is well underway.
That is where Nostradamus' great prophecies would focus, were he alive today!
And what about us as regards climate change ? Where do we stand in terms of the major phases of change linked to the energy management of our buildings ?
We’ve probably completed the first two stages (denial and anger, fear, sadness). Real estate, however, is still in the third stage : bargaining (resistance, negotiating factual elements).
With the BEC, you’ve already gone through the fourth stage (nostalgia, beginning of acceptance and openness to a new approach). You are now in the acceptance phase, with an eye out for opportunities (ref. Kübler-Ross), or even the fifth stage (overcoming the loss, accepting change, perceiving gains).
Bravo! Your commitment to the BEC is the best tool to show everyone that you've passed that third stage of bargaining, a phase where much of the real estate sector is still stagnating.
Time now to be pragmatic and talk about the latest BEC news. There are less than 30 days before the current competition year of 2023-2024 comes to an end, i.e. on May 31, 2025.
We're currently working with ESPM, compiling reports and data. For those whose buildings are not yet compliant, you will receive an e-mail in the next few days telling you which ones need your attention.
During the summer, you will receive notice of the dates this autumn when we will be presenting awards and distinctions for the top-performing buildings of BEC 2023-2024.
Don’t forget: For buildings in Montreal, you must file your 2024 disclosure declarations with the City of Montreal by June 30, 2025.
Take note that penalties for non-compliance with Regulation 21-042 during the two previous years (2022 and 2023) will apply.
The Quebec regulations associated with Bill 41 (2024), have not yet been finalized.
Be ready and confident. You are already well prepared thanks to BEC and ESPM.
Be energetic and confident, and keep abreast of our communications !
Food for thought: For real estate, energy transition and decarbonization start with the knowledge and control of your energy data, followed by your commitments and lastly, keeping an eye out for opportunities.
Wishing you all insightful and productive reflections.
Mario Poirier
Program Director
Director, Building Energy Performance