Feasibility Study on Energy Retrofit of Two Richelieu Wharf Buildings in Sorel-Tracy

In partnership with the City of Sorel-Tracy, the Centre des arts contemporains du Québec (CACQ) wishes to study the technical and financial feasibility of energy efficiency retrofits to two connected buildings. These buildings, owned by the City and dating from the 19th century, are located right in the city centre, along the Richelieu River on a contaminated site that has been inactive for several years. A feasibility study for the decontamination of the site is currently the object of a GMF funding application filed by the City of Sorel-Tracy (GMF 15067). The City wants to make this site a multidisciplinary creative centre for contemporary arts, and an educational and community cultural centre promoting exchanges between artists from the region and elsewhere, citizens and the general public. This redevelopment will stimulate economic growth and re-energize the surrounding areas. The City wants to encourage the application of new technologies in energy performance and thus realize its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as stipulated in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan, Agenda 21 and the Environmental Policy. To facilitate management of the project, the feasibility study will be conducted by the CACQ. It will aim to achieve several objectives relating to environmental aspects. These include reducing potable water consumption by 40%, reducing energy consumption by 30% to 53% compared to the reference of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings, producing wind or solar energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 120 tons/year. Since the buildings have been unused for several years, the CACQ chose to compare the environmental performance to that of a conventional building. The establishment of green spaces, the creation of community gardens as well as rainwater recovery systems are other components of the project that will promote the revitalization of the buildings and the site. To achieve these objectives, the project team will carry out an analysis of existing conditions and possible solutions. The analysis will consider the costs, the regulatory environment and possible energy savings. In addition, the CACQ plans to analyze the natural processes, in particular solar orientation, winds, vegetation, slopes, and other features to minimize energy requirements. Finally, the CACQ will work with a local environmental organization that will provide technical support, as well as with Sorel-Tracy departments including Public Works and Recreation and Culture to carry out this project. Progress reports and reviews will be submitted monthly and the necessary corrections will be made as work progresses. (Project description from the original funding application).