Commerce

• Energy snapshot
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Economic and environmental benefits
• Potential savings
• Potential for energy savings

Energy snapshot

Energy consumption in the industrial and commercial sectors accounts for more than half (53.7%) of all the energy consumed in Québec, with the industrial sector at 36.1% and the commercial sector at 17.6%. Since the early 1990s, the commercial sector has experienced an increase in energy consumption of 21.3%, and its share of energy consumption continues to rise today.

Greenhouse gas emissions

In Québec, greenhouse gas emissions from the commercial sector represent 15% of the total. Proportionately, greenhouse gas emissions for this sector are less than its energy consumption.

Economic and environmental benefits

• in the short term, reduced operating costs
• over the medium term, a drop in the impact of increased energy costs
• increased competitiveness
• reduction in greenhouse gases
• increase in comfort, productivity and equipment life span.

Potential savings

Potential energy savings vary considerably, depending on the type of firm and equipment. However, in Québec the potential for savings in electricity consumption in the commercial and institutional sectors over a 5-year period is reflected in the table below.

Potential for energy savings

• For information about programs available for commercial clients
• To read commercial sector case studies