If you are planning an energy efficiency or GHG‑reduction project in Québec, ÉcoPerformance Québec is one of the main funding programs you will encounter. The challenge is not the idea — it is understanding which costs are eligible and which type of energy study you must complete before funding is approved. Confusing an audit with an analysis, or starting implementation too early, is one of the most common reasons applications stall or get rejected.
ÉcoPerformance Québec is a provincial program that supports projects reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Québec facilities. It is delivered by the Québec government under its climate and energy transition framework.
The program is typically used by:
Funding is based on measured or modelled energy savings. Because of this, energy studies are mandatory before most projects can be considered for approval.
Eligible costs under ÉcoPerformance are grouped into three main phases: studies, implementation, and verification. What you can claim depends on where your project sits in this sequence.
These costs are often eligible before any physical work begins:
Studies must usually be completed by a qualified, independent professional and follow program‑approved methodologies.
Once a study is approved, eligible implementation costs may include:
General maintenance, aesthetic upgrades, or capacity expansions not linked to energy savings are typically not eligible.
Some projects require:
These costs must be planned upfront and aligned with the original study scope.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter Québec energy programs and see which ones support studies, implementation, or both. For a quick eligibility check, try GrantHub now.
Understanding the difference between these three steps is critical.
An energy audit is a high‑level diagnostic:
Audits are often used to identify projects, but they are usually not detailed enough to approve implementation funding on their own.
An energy analysis goes deeper:
ÉcoPerformance commonly requires this level of study before approving implementation funding.
Implementation is the execution phase:
Starting implementation before approval can make costs ineligible.
Submitting only an audit when a detailed analysis is required
An audit alone often lacks the technical depth needed for funding approval.
Incurring costs before receiving written approval
Expenses made too early are usually not reimbursed.
Including non‑energy‑related upgrades
Capacity increases or cosmetic renovations are rarely eligible.
Using unqualified consultants
Studies must meet program standards and professional requirements.
Q: Does ÉcoPerformance Québec fund energy audits?
Yes, energy audits can be eligible, especially when they lead to a clearly defined energy efficiency project. Approval depends on the project scope and methodology.
Q: Is an energy analysis always required before implementation?
In most cases, yes. Detailed analyses are used to validate savings and determine funding levels before implementation is approved.
Q: Can I apply only for study funding?
Some applicants use ÉcoPerformance specifically to fund studies that prepare them for a later implementation phase.
Q: Are internal staff costs eligible?
Internal labour is usually limited or excluded unless explicitly allowed under the approved project structure.
See also:
ÉcoPerformance Québec rewards preparation. The right study, done at the right time, determines which costs are eligible and how smoothly your project progresses. GrantHub tracks active energy and climate‑related grant programs across Canada — including Québec — so you can check which options align with your project stage before committing time and money.
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