Energy studies that guide your decisions
We help you understand how your building actually performs, reduce operating costs, and access energy-related financing programs.
Energy modeling is a tool. What matters is what you do with it.
Who needs an energy study?
At Innoveum, we don't just run simulations - we use them to identify practical, cost-effective ways to improve building performance.
We provide energy audits and modeling services for real estate development, building retrofits, and financing applications across the Montréal metropolitan area. Whether you are designing a new multi-residential project or planning improvements to an existing building, we help you:
- Reduce energy consumption and operating costs
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions
- Meet evolving energy code requirements
- Qualify for MLI Select and ACLP financing programs
- Access Hydro-Québec, Énergir, and provincial incentive programs
- Make informed decisions based on reliable data
Our energy studies support developers, investors, architects, lenders, and building owners who want to understand how their building uses energy and what can realistically be improved.
Energy audits and modeling are often needed to understand how a building performs and support technical and financial decisions.
- Multi-unit residential buildings pursuing the MLI Select program financing
- Developers applying for CMHC Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) financing
- New construction projects requiring energy code compliance
- Retrofit projects evaluating improvement strategies
- Architects and design teams assessing performance during early design stages
- Projects pursuing energy efficiency incentives
- Feasibility studies comparing design options
- Investors evaluating energy performance during acquisition due diligence
These studies provide a clear basis for understanding building performance, quantifying improvement opportunities, and supporting financing and incentive applications.
A practical approach to energy performance
Improving a building isn't just about adding equipment or chasing efficiency targets. It's about choosing the right measures at the right time.
We focus on:
Not every measure makes sense. Our role is to help you focus on the ones that do.
Every project is handled directly by an engineer. There are no intermediaries between you and the person doing the analysis. This means clearer communication, faster turnaround, and recommendations based on real-world experience.
Unlocking MLI Select financing through energy performance
The CMHC's MLI Select program provides enhanced mortgage loan insurance terms for multi-unit residential properties that achieve measurable outcomes across three categories:
Projects accumulate points across these categories. A minimum of 50 points is required to qualify.
Higher scores unlock significant financing advantages:
- Higher loan-to-value ratios
- Extended amortization periods (up to 50 years)
- Reduced mortgage insurance premiums
- Improved debt coverage ratios
These advantages can significantly improve the financial feasibility of a project or acquisition.
Learn moreAchieving measurable energy and carbon reductions
Under the MLI Select program, energy performance is evaluated based on projected improvements in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to a baseline building.
New construction
- Level 1 (20 points) - Min. 20% better than NECB2017 or NBC2015
- Level 2 (35 points) - Min. 25% better than NECB2017 or NBC2015
- Level 3 (50 points) - Min. 40% better than NECB2017 or NBC2015
Existing properties
- Level 1 (20 points) - Min. 15% decrease over current baseline levels
- Level 2 (35 points) - Min. 25% decrease over current baseline levels
- Level 3 (50 points) - Min. 40% decrease over current baseline levels
Energy modeling is used to demonstrate these improvements by comparing the baseline building to proposed scenarios.
Important notice - updated CMHC energy performance requirements
Recent updates to CMHC policies incorporate the 2020 National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) and the 2020 National Building Code (NBC) as reference standards for evaluating energy performance in new construction projects.
These updates were introduced through CMHC Advice No. 268, effective November 28, 2025, with a transition period allowing projects to qualify under previous criteria until September 30, 2026.
New construction - 2020 NECB (all buildings under Part 3)
- Min. 25% better than Tier 1
- Min. 50% better than Tier 1
- Min. 60% better than Tier 1
New construction - 2020 NBC (low-rise buildings under Part 9)
- Min. 20% better than Tier 1
- Min. 40% better than Tier 1
- Min. 70% better than Tier 1
Innoveum performs the whole-building simulations and technical reporting required to demonstrate compliance for CMHC's MLI Select program applications under both the current and updated frameworks.
Supporting sustainable rental housing development
The CMHC Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) supports the development of purpose-built rental housing by providing low-cost financing from construction through to stabilized operations.
- Purpose-built rental housing developments
- Conversions of existing buildings into rental housing
- Projects with 5+ units
Energy modeling is used to demonstrate performance compliance and evaluate design options.
Innoveum works closely with developers and design teams to prepare the energy analysis required to support ACLP financing applications.
Unlocking energy efficiency incentives
Energy efficiency improvements may qualify for financial assistance through provincial and utility programs. Innoveum's technical studies support applications for programs including:
Innoveum assists project teams with energy analysis, modeling, and technical documentation required for program applications.
How it works
Energy modeling combines engineering analysis with building data to simulate how buildings consume energy under real operating conditions.
Project data collection
Collection and review of architectural drawings, building envelope characteristics, mechanical systems, lighting, domestic hot water systems, utility data, and site observations.
Baseline energy model development
A whole-building simulation model representing either the existing building or a code-compliant reference building, developed in accordance with applicable NECB or NBC performance standards.
Model calibration
Where historical utility data is available, the energy model is calibrated against actual consumption to improve the accuracy of performance predictions.
Energy efficiency measure analysis
Potential improvements are evaluated through simulation, including high-efficiency HVAC systems, envelope upgrades, lighting improvements, and renewable energy integration.
Performance simulation and sensitivity analysis
Multiple scenarios are modelled to assess the impact of proposed measures on total energy consumption, GHG emissions, peak electrical demand, and operating costs.
Technical reporting
Results are compiled into structured engineering reports supporting CMHC financing applications, energy incentive submissions, design optimization, and retrofit planning.
Energy modeling software
Energy simulations are performed using recognized whole-building modeling platforms, including:
- eQUEST (DOE-2 simulation engine)
- RETScreen Expert
These tools simulate building energy consumption for both existing buildings and proposed new construction, enabling comparison with code-compliant reference buildings under NECB and NBC.
Frequently asked questions
Build smarter. Perform better.
Whether you are developing new housing or improving an existing building, Innoveum provides the engineering expertise and energy analysis needed to evaluate performance, reduce consumption, and support financing applications. Every project receives direct, senior-level attention.
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