Partnership aims to reduce emissions at Port of Montreal

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has entered into a strategic partnership with SOFIAC, an investment fund specializing in decarbonization, to help enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

SOFIAC will support the MPA in an energy efficiency project that has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operational buildings by more than 60 per cent.

“This project marks a crucial step in our sustainability efforts and brings us closer to our goal of carbon neutrality,” said Benoit Viens, senior director of environment and real estate at the MPA. “Thanks to SOFIAC’s expertise and support, we will transform our infrastructure to make it more energy-efficient while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.”

With an investment from SOFIAC that could reach several million dollars, the MPA will benefit from deep retrofit without needing to invest its own capital. SOFIAC’s model allows the investment to be repaid from the energy savings generated by the project. In line with its comprehensive support approach, SOFIAC will oversee the implementation process with its technical partners, particularly Siemens, the energy services company selected for this significant mandate.

The project will target the MPA’s three main buildings: the Cité du Havre building, the MPA’s headquarters; the Grand Quai of the Port of Montreal, an iconic location for Montrealers situated in the Old Port; and the building housing the infrastructure management, mechanical workshops, and rail operations at 3400 Notre-Dame East.

“This partnership with the Montreal Port Authority reflects our commitment to provide customized, sustainable solutions, allowing our clients to achieve energy savings with no financial risk,” said Michel Methot, senior vice-president at SOFIAC. “We are proud to contribute to this ambitious carbon neutrality vision.”