Montréal Biodôme

The mission of the Montréal Space for Life, which includes the Biodôme, the Insectarium, Botanical Garden and Planetarium, is to bring people closer to nature while showcasing biodiversity. By the first decade of the new millennium, the energy costs for the Space for Life facilities had become high. What’s more, the electromechanical equipment used for heating, cooling, and lighting required major upgrades. That’s why the city of Montréal institution decided to go forward with an ambitious energy efficiency project aimed at slashing consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Biodôme—and especially the animals living within it—needed our energy efficiency project to be extremely precise: cold climate ecosystems had to remain cold, while the tropical ecosystems needed to be heated year-round. The heat recovery system has minimized energy losses and allowed for energy redistribution throughout different ecosystems. 

▲ Ground water was found underneath the Biodôme. Ecosystem integrated it into a geothermal system used to heat and cool the building.

▲ Here are some highlights from thee energy savings project that was implemented at Montréal Space for Life.

 

▲ Ground water was found underneath the Biodôme. Ecosystem integrated it into a geothermal system to heat and cool the building.		▲ Here are some highlights from the energy savings project at Montréal Space for Life.

Project at a Glance

Awards

2013 International Technology Award (ASHRAE)

2012 Sustainable Communities Award (Federaction of Canadian Municipalities)

2011 Energia Award (AQME - Quebec’s energy management association)

2011 Innovation Award - Honourable Mention (Contech)

Read the international ASHRAE Journal’s feature article on the Biodôme project