Green renovation in Montreal: 7 decisions that really make a difference

Green renovation in Montreal is first and foremost about making a few key structural decisions that truly reduce energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions, and construction waste. Here are 7 concrete choices to highlight in your article, "Green Renovation in Montreal: 7 Decisions That Really Make a Difference."

1. Start with the Building Envelope (Insulation + Airtightness)

The most cost-effective intervention is often improving the airtightness and insulation of the walls, roof, and basement, as air leaks drastically increase heating needs. The better the building envelope, the less you rely on expensive and energy-intensive mechanical systems, which significantly reduces operating costs.

2. Optimize or Replace Heating Systems

Once the building envelope is improved, choosing efficient systems (heat pumps, high-efficiency equipment) can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In Montreal, the transition away from heating oil and old systems is a key lever to achieve emissions reduction targets.

3. Choose sustainable and local materials

Opting for bio-based materials (wood, cork, cellulose, hemp) and minimally processed materials reduces your carbon footprint while sometimes improving thermal and acoustic comfort. Prioritizing local production and certified materials (for example, through ecolabels) also reduces transportation impacts and promotes a more circular economy.

4. Reduce and reuse construction waste

The construction, renovation, and demolition sector generates over one million tonnes of waste per year in Quebec, a large portion of which could be diverted from landfills. Deciding from the outset to deconstruct rather than demolish, to reuse what is possible, and to organize the sorting of materials (wood, metals, aggregates, gypsum) radically changes the footprint of your project.

5. Protect Indoor Air Quality

Selecting paints, adhesives, varnishes, and panels with low VOC emissions, combined with good ventilation, reduces health risks for occupants. Integrating an HRV or other efficient mechanical ventilation system qualifies for energy efficiency grants and improves everyday comfort.

6. Integrate Water and Water Use into Design

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures and considering the layout of kitchens and bathrooms to minimize hot water loss reduces water and energy consumption. In more ambitious projects, heat recovery from drainage water or smarter management of impermeable surfaces further improves the environmental impact.

7. Take advantage of local assistance programs and resources

Connecting with programs like Rénoclimat, the Canadian Green Building Strategy, and local initiatives (JeRénovÉco, Plan climat Montréal) helps finance the most effective renovations. These programs specifically target the most impactful actions (building envelope, systems, ventilation), giving you a clear roadmap to prioritize your projects.

For more information

Lineaire, General Contractor, can also provide information about your project, along with their team of carpenters and joiners. You can contact them through their website: www.lineaireconstruction.com or on social media @lineaire.entrepreneur.general

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