The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has partnered with investment fund manager Sofiac on the retrofit of three primary dockside buildings.

The MPA and Sofiac, which focuses on decarbonization projects, aim to reduce the buildings’ greenhouse-gas emissions by 60%. The project, facilitated by an investment only from Sofiac will allow the MPA to implement substantial upgrades without requiring upfront capital.

Plans call for Sofiac to fund and oversee the project while potentially investing millions of dollars.

Using Montreal-based Sofiac’s model, the MPA will repay the investment directly from energy savings generated by the project. To oversee implementation, Sofiac will collaborate with its technical partner Siemens, which was selected to manage the project’s energy services.

The energy-efficiency measures will target: The Cité du Havre, the MPA’s headquarters; the Grand Quai of the Port of Montreal in the Old Port, a well known landmark; and the infrastructure management, mechanical workshops, and rail operations facility located on 3400 Notre-Dame East.

“This project marks a crucial step in our sustainability efforts and brings us closer to our goal of carbon neutrality,” said Benoit Viens, senior director of environment and real estate at the MPA. “Thanks to Sofiac’s expertise and support, we will transform our infrastructure to make it more energy-efficient while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.”

The Port of Montreal houses the largest container-handling facility in Eastern Canada, serving as an intermodal hub that integrates rail and maritime connections.

Launched in 2021, Sofiac works with the commercial, industrial, and multi-residential real estate sectors to drive profitability and energy efficiency with no upfront investment, enhancing both environmental impact and competitiveness for its clients, the company says.

“This partnership with the Montreal Port Authority reflects our commitment to provide customized, sustainable solutions, allowing our clients to achieve energy savings with no financial risk,” said Michel Méthot, senior vice-president at Sofiac.