gbi is proud to announce that it has received three awards at the 2023 annual gala of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada (ACEC-Canada). The Permanent Column Well (PCW) geothermal project and the energy loop project were respectively named top winners in the Natural Resources, Mining, Industry and Energy and Special Projects categories.
In addition, the PCW geothermal project earned a second distinction by winning the Breton Award for Environmental Stewardship, recognizing our commitment and determination to make a difference for the environment across the country.
Organized by ACEC-Canada and Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine, this competition honours the most outstanding engineering projects nationwide. It is the highest distinction in the Canadian consulting engineering industry.
Permanent Column Well (PCW) Geothermal Project
The PCW geothermal project, implemented at École primaire de la Clé-des-Champs of the Mille-Îles School Service Centre (CSSMI), is receiving this award as its second major recognition, following its win at the 2023 Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois held in Montréal this past September.
What a source of pride to be able to showcase innovation in collaboration with the academic research community! In the case of the PCW, the results obtained during the very first winter of operation are more than encouraging. This technology will pave the way for a new approach to geothermal energy on tight urban sites, helping to decarbonize more buildings while reducing peak electricity demand.— Jasmin Faucher, EIT, gbi
Innovative strategies were essential to integrate all mechanical components required for PCW geothermal energy into a small room of an existing elementary school. Thanks to this project, the building’s energy footprint will be significantly reduced.— Olivier Paquette St-Jean, Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager, gbi
The Mille-Îles School Service Centre is proud to collaborate with gbi, an innovation partner. With this technology, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, contribute meaningfully to the energy transition, improve student well-being to support academic success, and achieve both energy and financial savings.— Guillaume Marchand, Engineer and Coordinator, Material Resources Department, CSSMI
Energy Loop
The large-scale energy loop project was deployed at Espace Montmorency in Laval for the client MONTONI.
The energy loop at Espace Montmorency allows for the recovery and redistribution of the appropriate level of energy—whether heating or cooling—between the four towers, depending on demand. This system reduces greenhouse gas emissions and optimizes the complex’s energy consumption. Other buildings may also be connected to the loop in the future.— Elie Maillé, Engineer and Team Leader, gbi
MONTONI’s goal is to build the best projects in the industry in terms of sustainable development. When designing Espace Montmorency—a $450M+ complex developed in partnership with the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ and located above the Montmorency metro station in Laval—it was essential for us to make it a benchmark project for the future. With gbi’s support, that’s exactly what we achieved. The energy use across the complex’s different functions (residential, office, commercial, hotel) is optimized thanks to the loop’s energy exchanges throughout the day, leading to a nearly 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 50% decrease in energy costs. — Dario Montoni, President, Groupe Montoni
gbi extends its warmest congratulations to the teams who worked on these incredible innovations. We also wish to thank our clients for placing their trust in our firm to carry out their projects. Your collaboration and vision were key to making these prestigious awards possible.
These recognitions reflect our commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering and continue to inspire us to push the boundaries of what is possible.
