Interview: Nicolas Turcotte, City of Montréal, Que.

When it comes to sustainable development and climate change, Montréal has often been recognized for its leadership. The city has won several prizes for various environmental initiatives, including an FCM Sustainable Communities Award. We spoke with Nicolas Turcotte, research officer with the City of Montréal's Energy Fund, to learn more about this leading-edge program.

FCM: In 2007, the City of Montréal committed to becoming a sustainable community by adopting an action plan entitled Climate Protection. What were the main drivers that led to this decision?

Nicolas Turcotte: The main drivers that led the City of Montréal to becoming a sustainable community are, first of all, to preserve our climate; second, to orient the community toward green energy sources and choices; and third, to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment for each and every citizen.

The Climate Protection corporate action plan was the first step toward acquiring the internal expertise and awareness to lead us on the path to a viable community; a community whose growth will one day be supported by renewable energy. By doing this, and by proposing specific actions for its various administrative services, Montréal is taking a leadership role in putting sustainable development at the forefront. The city hopes that this initiative will also inspire the community to take concrete steps toward reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs).

FCM: What challenges did you face in encouraging the city to go down this road?

Nicolas Turcotte: The first challenge we encountered was, without a doubt, changing the behaviour of each of the city's players. The battle against climate change is fought mainly through changes in individuals' behaviour. For example, an anti-idling campaign was introduced to deter drivers of municipal vehicles from leaving their engines running while stopped. This simple act of turning off the ignition reduces GHG emissions and the city's fuel costs.

The second challenge was to convince city players that the struggle against climate change was not only a matter of reducing GHGs, but that it was also an important opportunity for planning projects better, building more efficient infrastructure and providing improved services to the citizens of Montréal.

FCM: What is the purpose of the Energy Fund program created in 2008?

Nicolas Turcotte: The Energy Fund finances large energy efficiency projects carried out by the city's municipal services and boroughs. The Fund helps to overcome investment obstacles with interest-free loans, encourages energy conservation, and fulfills Montréal's commitment to reducing CO₂.

Loan repayment is based on the savings generated by completed projects. Once repaid, the savings are attributed to the business unit that initiated the energy-saving project.

FCM: What steps were involved in implementing this program?

Nicolas Turcotte: The first step was an executive committee resolution to get the program started. The city then budgeted $3 million to fund the program. Since its creation, the Energy Fund has financed several projects, which have, in turn, enabled the city to reduce GHGs by over 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

FCM: How much has the program cost?

Nicolas Turcotte: The Fund works like an internal bank with an initial maximum budget of $3 million. It is now self-financed by the savings it generates through completed projects.

FCM: Is this project the only one of its kind in Quebec and Canada?

Nicolas Turcotte: The Energy Fund was created to improve the energy profitability of the city's building inventory and to reduce the city's GHG emissions. This unique approach makes the Fund a highly efficient tool in reducing GHGs, as well as the largest municipal fund of its kind in Quebec and one of the largest in Canada.

FCM: What obstacles did you encounter in implementing this project and how did you overcome them?

Nicolas Turcotte: We did not face any major obstacles in creating the Energy Fund. In fact, the idea for the Fund came from several key participants who then worked together to ensure the project's success.

FCM: Based on your experience, who should be included in such an undertaking?

Nicolas Turcotte: A successful project like this one certainly cannot be done in a silo. Several partners within the city's administration contributed to its success. Whether it was the staff in the environment and sustainable development departments, real estate or finance departments, each partner believed in the project and in making it happen.

FCM: What lessons did you learn from setting up such a program, and have they influenced other initiatives in your community?

Nicolas Turcotte: The first lesson we learned was to include all major partners very early on, so that each partner becomes a champion for the project. The second was that projects that address climate change must also change behaviour. People have to be convinced about new ways of doing things, that new choices can improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and reduce GHG emissions. The success of the Energy Fund will inform wise choices for other city departments.

FCM: What are the benefits that might inspire other municipalities to establish a similar program?

Nicolas Turcotte: The Energy Fund offers many advantages for other municipalities. The City of Montréal has already achieved major energy savings through funded projects, while also meeting its GHG reduction targets. And it is the community that ultimately benefits through improved infrastructure and greener and more efficient facilities.

FCM: Do you have any advice for other municipalities who are interested in creating such a program?

Nicolas Turcotte: Municipalities and their partners must be ready to invest the necessary time and money in such a project. The municipality must also be committed to reducing its GHG emissions and to improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

FCM: What motivates you in your sustainable development efforts?

Nicolas Turcotte: Sustainable development is the way of the future when it comes to creating a prosperous and viable community. Sustainable development integrates the economic, social and environmental aspects of the choices we make, and in the way we choose to live. Sustainable development helps us to develop a greener economy, now and for future generations.