Energy performance: the invisible criterion redefining new homes in Quebec

In new residential construction, a long-established criterion is taking an even more central place in decision-making today: energy performance. It has always been part of the foundation of building practices in Québec, but evolving standards, technologies, and expectations now give it a more visible, more intentional role. It stands out as one of the most decisive factors for evaluating the quality of a project and shapes, more than ever, the standards of modern housing.

And this rising importance is no accident.
It reflects a simple reality: buyers are more attentive, more demanding, and better informed. They know what a Québec winter entails and what a poorly optimized building can cost them, both in comfort and in energy.

An evolution driven as much by occupants as by the industry

Energy performance occupies so much space in today’s discussions because everyone benefits: developers, buyers, tenants… and ultimately the buildings themselves.
On one side, occupants seek living spaces that don’t force them to choose between warmth and the bill, between healthy air and frosted windows. They want interiors that are stable, comfortable and breathable.On the other, developers have understood that new builds must differentiate themselves not only by architecture or shared spaces, but by the quality of the envelope and the systems that make a building liveable. Programs like Novoclimat have accelerated this trend: they provide a clear, understandable framework that reassures buyers and proves a project’s seriousness.

The thermal envelope: the quiet element that changes everything

In a new building the thermal envelope doesn’t scream for attention, yet it often marks the difference between a merely adequate construction and a truly accomplished project. It’s what makes a home feel “well built” even before you know the technical details.
Today’s materials continuous insulation, advanced membranes, triple glazing reduce air leakage and prevent the “cold wall” effect typical of less efficient buildings.
The result: heat doesn’t vanish through the walls, noise is dampened, and air moves more effectively.
When you step into a well-designed new apartment, you can feel it.
It’s not just about temperature: it’s an atmosphere, a uniformity, a sense of solidity.

The HRV: a discreet system that changes daily comfort

The Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is likely one of the least visible elements and yet among the most decisive.
You almost never notice it during a visit, but it’s the system that keeps air fresh while retaining accumulated heat. It filters, renews and balances indoor air while limiting energy use.
In winter, when windows stay closed, it prevents humidity, condensation and that “stale” feeling.
In a high-performance new building, the HRV is not a luxury: it’s an essential part of the overall comfort system.

Quebec’s climate: a relentless judge of building quality

Building in Quebec is nothing like building in a temperate climate.
Temperature swings, sometimes extreme, test materials, airtightness and mechanical systems.
And it’s precisely during those moments the dry cold of January, the damp thaws of February that the value of a high-performance new building is measured.
Projects designed to withstand those variations retain heat, avoid infiltration and protect the structure over the long term.
A high-performance new build does not only deliver immediate comfort: it delivers season-after-season reliability.

How to spot a high-performance building during a visit

You might think energy performance is measured only on technical sheets. In fact, you can perceive it quickly.
Inside, an even temperature from room to room is a good sign.
Exterior walls and windows shouldn’t feel noticeably cold.
A transparent developer will present the HRV, airtightness test results and the envelope specifications.
As for finishes: clean seals, precise framing, visible membranes around openings are not mere aesthetics they are proof of rigorous design.

An investment that protects as much as it adds value

Choosing a high-performance new home is not just about cutting your energy bill.
It’s choosing a building that will age well, need fewer repairs and remain attractive on resale.
High-performance constructions consume less, suffer fewer cold-related damages, and more easily meet future energy standards.
For an owner, that translates into greater financial stability and stronger resale value. A high-performance building is not only compliant: it’s designed to last.

In Quebec, energy performance continues to define new builds

In Quebec, energy performance has never been secondary. It’s long been part of the landscape, driven by the climate and established technical requirements. What has changed are the means: more precise systems, better-optimized envelopes and technologies that push further, more efficiently.
For occupants, these advances mean more consistent comfort, better air quality and more predictable energy costs. The challenge is no longer merely achieving performance, but mastering it intelligently. The projects that will succeed are those able to translate these advances into lasting value whether you buy or rent.