How to Apply for ÉcoPerformance RCx (Recommissioning) in Quebec: Eligible Buildings and Incentive Steps

How to Apply for ÉcoPerformance RCx (Recommissioning) in Quebec: Eligible Buildings and Incentive Steps

Many Quebec buildings waste energy because their mechanical systems do not work as intended. The ÉcoPerformance RCx (recommissioning) incentive helps organizations solve this problem by funding a careful review and improvement of existing systems. Through this program, eligible projects can receive up to $100,000, covering up to 75% of eligible costs.

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What Is ÉcoPerformance RCx and Who Can Apply?

ÉcoPerformance is a Quebec government program that supports energy transition projects. The RCx (recommissioning) part focuses on making existing building mechanical systems run better, without replacing major equipment.

Eligible organizations

You may apply if you are a:

• Business (commercial or industrial)
• Institution (like schools or healthcare facilities)
• Municipality
• Organization in the agricultural, agri-food, manufacturing (primary or secondary), or institutional sectors

The building must be in Quebec.

Eligible buildings

• Existing buildings in the sectors listed above
• New buildings are eligible three years after initial commissioning
• Buildings must not have already received financial aid for the same RCx measures under ÉcoPerformance

Minimum performance requirement

To qualify for funding, your project must:

• Achieve energy savings of at least 5% of the building’s total energy use before the project starts.

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How Much Funding Is Available?

The ÉcoPerformance RCx program offers:

• Up to $100,000 per project
• Maximum of 75% of eligible project costs

This funding helps pay for professional and technical services, not for buying major equipment.

Eligible expenses include:

• Fees for an accredited RCx agent
• Engineering and specialist consultant fees
• Internal specialist labour directly related to the RCx process
• Rental of measurement and monitoring equipment

Capital equipment and unrelated upgrades are not covered under RCx.

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Required RCx Project Phases

Your project must follow five mandatory phases:

1. Planning
   Set the scope, goals, systems to review, and build your RCx team.

2. Investigation
   Check current system performance using data, testing, and site visits.

3. Implementation
   Apply approved operational improvements and low-cost fixes.

4. Transfer
   Train building operators and share documents to keep savings going.

5. Continuous Monitoring
   Watch system performance over time to maintain energy savings.

Skipping a phase or missing documentation often causes funding delays or refusals.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

Follow these steps to apply for ÉcoPerformance RCx in Quebec:

1. Check eligibility early
   Make sure your organization, building, and project fit the RCx program rules before hiring consultants.

2. Choose an accredited RCx agent
   The program requires a qualified professional to manage the recommissioning process.

3. Prepare a clear project plan
   Include baseline energy data, targeted systems, estimated savings, and your budget.

4. Apply before starting work
   Projects must be approved before investigation or implementation begins.

5. Complete all five RCx phases and provide documentation
   Funding depends on finishing each phase and following program rules.

If you want to compare Quebec energy programs by sector or building type, GrantHub offers tools to help you review your options.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting work before approval
  Costs made before acceptance are usually not eligible.

• Missing the 5% energy savings requirement
  Projects must show real impact, not just minor changes.

• Using non-accredited professionals
  RCx agents and consultants must meet program standards.

• Incomplete records
  Poor documentation during investigation or monitoring can delay or reduce funding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is recommissioning (RCx) under ÉcoPerformance?
RCx is a step-by-step process to improve existing building mechanical systems so they work as intended. It focuses on operational improvements, not replacing major equipment.

Q: Can new buildings apply for ÉcoPerformance RCx?
Yes, but only three years after the building is commissioned. This allows systems to settle and be properly optimized.

Q: What types of systems are usually included in RCx projects?
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, controls, and related mechanical systems are often reviewed. The scope depends on building size and energy use.

Q: Can ÉcoPerformance RCx funding be combined with other grants?
Sometimes, yes. All other financial help must be reported, and stacking rules apply.

Q: How long does an RCx project take?
Most projects last several months, depending on building size and the monitoring period needed to confirm savings.

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GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Quebec energy efficiency incentives. You can see which ones fit your business or building profile.

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Getting Started

If your building wastes energy, ÉcoPerformance RCx can support expert help to solve the issue. Before applying, check your eligibility, energy savings potential, and project timeline. GrantHub helps Quebec organizations compare energy transition programs and find incentives that fit their needs.

See also:

• Waste Heat Recovery Funding in Quebec: How It Supports the Energy Transition
• Agri-Environmental Funding in Quebec: Eligibility Across Programs
• Eligible Expenses Under Regional Economic Development Grants in Quebec (CED)