News

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions isn’t just a matter for commercial, municipal and industrial buildings. The institutional sector, like Correctional Service Canada (CSC), plays an equally important role in the fight against climate change.

Energere is proud to support the Centre Fédéral de Formation (CFF) de Laval in an ambitious project to reduce the carbon footprint of the correctional complex, comprising over 50 buildings.

MEASURES IMPLEMENTED

The aim of the project is to significantly reduce GHG emissions from the CFF de Laval infrastructure. To achieve this bold objective, several creative and innovative measures were proposed and adopted:

• Decentralization of the steam heating network: the current heating system is being completely redesigned to replace the energy source supplied by the existing thermal power plant.
• Conversion of the heat transfer fluid from steam to hot water: this new water heating network will be supplied by three separate boiler rooms, eliminating steam leaks and reducing water wastage.
• Use of heat pumps: installation of air-source heat pumps to draw heat from the ambient air and transfer it to the hot-water network.
• Use of electric boilers: adoption of more efficient, energy-saving heating technologies.
• Modernization of interior lighting: installation of high-performance LED lighting systems to reduce energy consumption.
• Complete recommissioning and modernization of controls: optimization of energy management systems for improved performance and reduced consumption.

Given the scale of the project, the technologies implemented and the nature of the infrastructure, all the work and the implementation of the measures should be completed by 2028.

THE CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

The realization of this ambitious project will be marked by several major challenges, inherent to the prison environment. First, the comings and goings within correctional facilities are particularly complex and subject to strict security protocols, making each technical solution longer and more delicate.

Also, the multi-site nature of the project, encompassing numerous buildings, will require rigorous logistics to coordinate work on several fronts simultaneously.

Finally, the highly secure nature requires constant adjustments to ensure compliance with safety standards while minimizing disruption to staff and inmates.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Energere’s approach is focused on long-term results. For this project, no compromises have been made on occupant comfort and indoor environmental quality. The improvements and implementation plans were adapted to the particular needs of the prison environment.

As a result, CFF Laval can look forward to:

• Elimination of steam leaks thanks to the new hot water heating network, which will also reduce domestic water wastage.
• Improved thermal efficiency thanks to a smaller heating network.
• Replacement of obsolete heating equipment with modern, high-performance systems.
• Integration of cutting-edge technologies in new heating plants, preparing them for future innovations.
• Real-time energy monitoring for proactive maintenance and continuous optimization of energy performance.
• Tailor-made, comprehensive training of our teams to ensure optimum mastery of the new systems, efficient maintenance and lasting energy gains.

INVESTMENTS AND PARTNERS

To carry out this decarbonization project, Correctional Service Canada will invest over $45 million. Several partners, including Hydro-Québec and Energir, will support the project with significant financial assistance.

Energir will continue to assist the team at the Centre Fédéral de Formation de Laval after the project is implemented and will closely monitor energy performance for several years afterwards.

ABOUT THE CFF

The Centre Fédéral de Formation (CFF) is located in Laval. It is the oldest facility still in operation in the Quebec region. Initiated in 1932, the facility saw its first inmates arrive in 1952. Today, it can hold up to 764 inmates.