Royalmount Energy Transfer Loop

Montreal, QC

The Royalmount project represents a major step forward in sustainable development and energy innovation. As the lead engineering firm, gbi played a key role in the conception and integration of an energy transfer loop unique in Canada, optimizing energy sharing between buildings and relying on 150 geothermal boreholes of 600 feet each to supply 82% of thermal energy to the loop. Utilizing a reverse current loop, the system ensures flexibility and efficiency, reducing energy consumption by 30.9% and reducing the maximum electrical demand by 64%. Such reduction in energy and electrical power make it possible to optimize green energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 93% compared to a conventional shopping mall. Supported by Hydro-Québec, this innovative solution, sets a new standard for carbon-neutral infrastructure and will inspire other developers to adopt more resilient and sustainable practices.

This project is a leading example of innovation and sustainability, made even more impressive by the team’s success in guiding the client to adopt geothermal energy. As a commercial development, it stood out to the jury for its technical ingenuity, scale, and environmental leadership—setting a powerful benchmark for energy-efficient design in a dense urban redevelopment.