Making energy efficiency your “First Fuel”

Industries are increasingly recognizing energy efficiency as their “first fuel.” Popularized by the International Energy Agency (IEA), this term signifies a shift toward optimizing resource use rather than relying solely on traditional energy sources. This approach helps industries meet decarbonization goals, address shortages, reduce costs, enhance competitiveness and increase production. Proven to offer returns on investment, renewables and energy efficiency are essential for a sustainable economy.

Making energy efficiency your “First Fuel”

  1. YOUR CHALLENGES

    • Groupe employe bba decarbonation

      Navigating complex industrial processes

      Industrial processes often involve complex systems, making it challenging to identify efficiency opportunities without disrupting operations. While reviewing core production processes is beneficial, focusing on auxiliary systems and mastered technologies can offer more accessible starting points for reducing energy consumption and initiating a culture change in energy usage.

  2. OUR EXPERTISE

    • Cylindre decarbonation

      Your energy-efficiency partner for over 40 years

      At BBA, we leverage over 40 years of experience in project innovation and industrial energy efficiency. Our deep understanding of energy streams and operational realities allows us to streamline energy efficiency initiatives and develop tailored roadmaps for GHG reduction and CAPEX planning to meet your decarbonization objectives over time.

      Optimizing energy use without compromising production

      When planning your project to optimize energy consumption, we make it a priority to safeguard your productivity and output. To build a robust foundation for broader energy efficiency initiatives, we focus on improvements in several key areas:

      • Collaborative risk minimization: working with your operations manager, developing strategies to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable energy efficiency measures
      • Optimizing auxiliary systems: achieving substantial energy savings and initiating a culture change toward energy efficiency through systems like HVAC, boilers, water or steam networks, etc.
      • Heat rejection valorization and transformation: capturing the heat generated by your processes to reduce energy needs in heating networks or even to produce electricity using organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems or steam turbines
      • Industrial efficiency measures: upgrading equipment, implementing advanced control strategies and enhancing operation and maintenance practices, such as implementing VFDs, ventilation on demand (VOD), optimizing cooling water use and heat recovery systems in processes

      Understanding energy consumption patterns

      Understanding where and how energy is currently being consumed—and how much of it is actually useful—can be a challenge for industrial facilities, but it’s crucial for developing targeted strategies. BBA’s team can assist with:

      • Energy audit and opportunity characterization: identifying significant energy users, pinpointing potential savings and crafting convincing business cases to secure funding and gain stakeholder buy-in
      • Data-driven approach for your business case: creating strategic roadmaps to meet energy efficiency goals by prioritizing projects based on economic criteria and impacts (energy savings, GHG reduction, water use, etc.)
      • Energy consumption analysis: gaining insight into consumption patterns to optimize use, reduce losses and maximize existing infrastructure, effectively “expanding your facility from within” to boost production with your existing energy supply
      • Energy management and information systems (EMIS) and advanced monitoring: implementing real-time monitoring and management solutions to drive ongoing efficiency and sustainability improvements and support, and providing data for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports

      Integrating new technologies and changing behaviour

      Integrating energy-efficient technologies into existing infrastructure requires a deep understanding of current systems and compatibility, especially with outdated setups. At BBA, we ensure seamless integration and interoperability to maximize benefits and sustain energy efficiency through:

      • Technological review and support for specialized energy equipment: identifying upgrades or replacements to ensure peak efficiency for systems such as dual energy, biomass, electric boilers, cogeneration/combined heat and power (CHP), high-temperature heat pumps (HTHP) and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems
      • Infrastructure assessment and modernization: upgrading outdated systems for compatibility with new technologies to optimize performance
      • Change management support: promoting behavioral change among employees and stakeholders and overcoming resistance through strategic leadership and effective communication
      • Advanced technology integration: implementing digital solutions and energy management systems to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions and lower costs, ensuring seamless integration with current infrastructure
      • Consulting services for financial aid: identifying the subsidy programs that support efforts to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions and implementing innovative solutions

      Navigating regulatory and energy-provider compliance

      The need for regulatory and energy-provider compliance adds another layer of complexity to your energy efficiency initiatives. To keep your operations compliant while optimizing your energy use and productivity, the intricate landscape of energy regulations and standards must be continuously monitored and interpreted. Ultimately, regulatory compliance not only mitigates risks but also enhances your energy efficiency strategies, positioning your organization as a leader in sustainable energy practices. BBA is here to help you achieve these goals.

      Integrating early-on strategies and energy improvement plans

      As your trusted energy efficiency partner, BBA leverages an in-depth understanding of your business’ unique operational challenges and life cycle demands to drive sustainable success.

      • Early project involvement: integrating our expertise from the early stages of your project to identify, prioritize and plan energy efficiency opportunities at your site or among a portfolio of sites based on each reality (production, geographic location, energy source availability, GHG impact, etc.)
      • Strategic objectives and KPI coordination: aligning the available energy mix, your CAPEX investment plan, corporate goals and local regulatory compliance
      • Tailored and sustainable implementation support: developing early energy efficiency strategies combined with an improvement plan to deliver an optimal energy mix, smart integration and long-term sustainability
      • Long-term energy management and performance: providing ongoing post-project support to maintain and maximize return on investment, including performance monitoring tools, training and technical assistance
  3. GO-TO CONTACT

    Meet our decarbonization experts

    Let's talk together
    1. Stephane Charest Carre

      Stéphane Charest, P.Eng.

      Vice-president, Energy and Chemicals Market

      Stephane Charest Carre

      Stéphane Charest, P.Eng.

      Vice-president, Energy and Chemicals Market

    2. Suzan Campbell

      Susan Cambell

      Director, Decarbonization

    3. Hugo Careau

      Hugo Careau, P.Eng.

      Principal Engineer, Decarbonization

      Hugo Careau

      Hugo Careau, P.Eng.

      Principal Engineer, Decarbonization

    4. Alexandre Rousseau

      Alexandre Rousseau, P.Eng.

      Senior Engineer, Energy and Air Quality

      Alexandre Rousseau

      Alexandre Rousseau, P.Eng.

      Senior Engineer, Energy and Air Quality

  4. Solutions we offer
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