Navigating Montreal By-law 21-042
By-law Concerning Greenhouse Gas Emission Disclosures and Ratings of Large Buildings
Introduction
Montreal’s ambitious steps towards climate responsibility are exemplified in By-law 21-042, enacted on September 27, 2021. Officially known as the “By-law Concerning Greenhouse Gas Emission Disclosures and Ratings of Large Buildings,” it sets a comprehensive framework for large buildings to disclose and evaluate their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of By-law 21-042 and how ZenithNet-Zero supports property management companies and owners of large buildings meet the June 30 mandatory compliance deadline effortlessly.
Understanding By-law 21-042
By-law 21-042 aims to enhance the city’s understanding of GHG emissions from large buildings, promoting transparency and encouraging sustainable practices. The by-law applies to buildings meeting specific criteria related to floor area and use types. It mandates annual disclosure of GHG emissions data by building owners, creating a rating system accessible to the public.
ZenithNet-Zero’s Hassle-Free Compliance
ZenithNet-Zero is a one stop shop for commercial real estate entities looking for assistance in navigating the compliance process of By-law 21-042. Their comprehensive services cover all measurements and submissions required by the City of Montreal, offering a streamlined compliance process. By choosing ZenithNet-Zero’s services, companies can focus on their core business activities instead of grappling with the intricacies of the Energy Star Portfolio Manager® portal and dealing with city authorities.
Key Components of By-law 21-042
To fully appreciate the value of ZenithNet-Zero’s services, let’s delve into key components of By-law 21-042:
- Applicability Criteria (Section III): The by-law outlines specific criteria for buildings subject to disclosure requirements. ZenithNet-Zero will review your portfolio and determine which properties fall under the by-law’s purview.
- Obligations for Disclosure (Section IV): Building owners must annually disclose information related to GHG emissions by June 30. ZenithNet-Zero ensures accurate and timely submissions, lifting the burden of navigating complex reporting requirements.
- GHG Emission Performance Rating (Subsection 2): The authority assigns a GHG emission performance rating to each building based on disclosed information.
- Penal Provisions (Section VI): Violations carry fines, making compliance essential. ZenithNet-Zero’s services act as a safeguard, helping clients avoid legal repercussions.
“We see some companies who submit their entire portfolio, assuming the By-law applies to all – however, there have been instances where the nature of business at the specified location excludes the property from having to comply – this initial audit we perform has saved our customers money and has been used to update the City’s records, which can be outdated” says Nick Houseman, Founder and President of Zenith Net-Zero.
The Future of Sustainable Real Estate in Montreal – Not Just Compliance
With Montreal’s positive steps towards ensuring commercial real estate is a part of our sustainable future, ZenithNet-Zero is leading the way in driving positive change beyond compliance. With a full-suite of sustainability offerings, such as GHG Accounting, GHG Inventories, and Carbon Offsets, ZenithNet-Zero is available to support the efforts of those that want to go beyond compliance, and take positive action to offset their unavoidable emissions and prepare for future carbon reduction and offsetting initiatives.
Conclusion
Montreal’s By-law 21-042 marks a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to addressing climate change through targeted measures. For companies partnering with ZenithNet-Zero, compliance with this by-law becomes a seamless process. By allowing ZenithNet-Zero to handle the complexities of measurement, reporting, and compliance, commercial real estate entities can focus on their core business, confident that they are contributing to a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for Montreal before the June 30 deadline.
