Case Study: Government of Canada achieves near-zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions and 68% electricity cost reduction with Ameresco

Advanced Technology Nearly Eliminates On-Site Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Government of Canada sought to advance its climate goals and demonstrate how public facilities can reach near‑zero carbon operation while cutting energy costs and improving resiliency. Ameresco was engaged to retrofit John Paul II Catholic Secondary School under an energy as a service model, addressing greenhouse‑gas reductions, on‑site renewable generation, and building energy management needs.

Ameresco designed and delivered an integrated solution—solar carports (625 kWp / 2,706 panels), a 1.1 MW / 2.2 MWh battery energy storage system, advanced geothermal (117,460 feet of piping), EV chargers, microgrid controls and integrated building controls—under a 25‑year carbon‑free energy as a service contract. The project enables islanded microgrid operation and market participation, cuts baseline electricity costs by 68%, and reduces GHG emissions from 277 tonnes annually to near zero, delivering measurable cost, comfort and resiliency benefits.

Government of Canada

Seamus O’Regan

Minister of Natural Resources