Our commitment to energy efficiency

The museums of Espace pour la vie are recognized leaders in energy efficiency and sustainable development. With their bold architecture, the Biodôme, the Biosphère, the Insectarium, the Jardin botanique, and the Planétarium all prioritize sustainable technologies. Each institution is deeply committed to supporting the socioecological transition and reducing its carbon footprint on the environment.

Biodôme: A carbon-neutral museum

The Biodôme stands out in many ways. A one-of-a-kind building, it houses five ecosystems with contrasting temperatures, ranging from polar conditions to a tropical climate. Recreating the specific climate of each ecosystem could have resulted in massive energy use. Yet, in a forward-looking approach to sustainable innovation, the Biodôme became one of the first Espace pour la vie projects to harness the potential of geothermal energy.

In 2010, the Biodôme implemented an open-loop geothermal system that draws on a vast phreatic zone located near the building. This system—the second largest of its kind in Canada—efficiently and sustainably heats and cools the museum’s ecosystems.

At the time, the energy efficiency of this innovative project led to a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nearly a 50% decrease in electricity costs—a remarkable achievement in the building sector.

More energy-efficient lighting

The skylights integrated into the Biodôme’s vaulted ceiling allow natural light to reach the ecosystems, supporting plant photosynthesis. To compensate for periods of low daylight, lamps positioned above the ecosystems provide supplementary lighting tailored to the specific needs of plants and animals in the living collections.

To improve energy efficiency while respecting the needs of living organisms, the former lighting systems were replaced with LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures, which consume less energy and are better suited to the ecosystems’ requirements.

Since 2020, the new LED systems, installed during the Biodôme’s renovations, automatically adjust their photometric output throughout the day to optimize plant growth.

Carbon neutrality: A model achievement

Thanks to these upgrades, the Biodôme’s carbon footprint has been significantly reduced, achieving carbon neutrality in its energy management—an outstanding accomplishment in sustainable development!   

The Biodôme’s award-winning energy management has become a benchmark in the field of building energy performance and has inspired numerous projects in Quebec and around the world.

Awards and Recognition

• 2022 Award of Excellence in Architecture, Cultural Buildings category, from the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ)
• 2013 Technology Award from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for the performance of the Biodôme’s geothermal system

Biosphère: A facelift

The City of Montréal is continuing its energy transition efforts by upgrading the energy efficiency of the Biosphère building.

To reduce GHG emissions, plans include replacing heat pumps and installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels or a wind turbine. These initiatives reflect a commitment to modernizing infrastructure while strengthening its environmental resilience.

The Biosphère also uses geothermal energy to meet its cooling and heating needs, greatly reducing the museum’s overall energy consumption.

Insectarium: An energy-efficient design

From the outset, the Insectarium’s new building was conceived with its mission of preserving life at its core.

Its design—both understated and clever—favours glass not only for its transparency, blending harmoniously with the surrounding nature, but also to reveal the behind-the-scenes work of sustaining life. Visitors can observe the technical spaces that support the care and wellbeing of the insects on display.

The renewed Insectarium integrates a wide range of energy-efficient features, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and respectful coexistence with the living world.

The sustainable architecture of the new Insectarium includes:

• Geothermal energy, natural lighting combined with LED lighting,
• Durable, long-lasting materials,
• Responsible water management for plant irrigation and watering.

Additional important environmental conservation measures include:

• Use of 18% recycled-content materials,
• 48% regionally sourced materials,
• 92% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–certified wood, ensuring that wood products come from responsibly managed forests,
• Stormwater management,
• Preservation of existing trees on the site.

In addition, a closed-loop geothermal system helps reduce the Insectarium’s energy demand during peak periods. This system is supported by a secondary heating source from theJardin botanique’s boiler plant.

Awards and Recognition

• LEED Gold Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), awarded in 2023
• 2022 Grand Prix d'excellence en architecture, awarded by the Ordre des architectes du Québec

Jardin botanique: Decarbonization under way

A significant renewal project is currently underway at the Jardin botanique, offering an exceptional opportunity to modernize its energy infrastructure while fully integrating today’s environmental imperatives.

This work represents a concrete step in the Jardin’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint over the long term and establishing itself as a model contributor to the energy transition.

Modernizing the Jardin botanique’s heating plant

One of the key components of this energy transition is the modernization of the Jardin botanique’s heating plant, which supplies energy to the greenhouses, main building, and various pavilions across the site.

The greenhouses are currently heated primarily with natural gas boilers. The installation of 3 electric boilers with a combined capacity of 2,000 kW will significantly reduce the Jardin’s carbon emissions—by an estimated 60% to 80%, equivalent to 2,000 fewer tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.

To further improve energy efficiency, geothermal energy will be integrated into the greenhouse system. This long-term goal will eliminate the use of natural gas, ultimately making the Jardin botanique’s heating plant carbon neutral.

Improving water management

Due to its large surface area, the Jardin botanique faces two major challenges: reducing irrigation water consumption and managing rainwater runoff.

To address these issues, the Jardin has upgraded parts of its underground infrastructure to incorporate various phytotechnologies that help manage stormwater. These actions make it possible to:

• Reduce the volume of water discharged into the sewer system by reusing or redirecting 40% of rainwater.
• Lower potable water consumption from the municipal system.
• Circulate pond water.
• Redirect excess rainfall into vegetated areas.
• Optimize irrigation systems.

Planétarium: A pioneering building

The Planétarium is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Canada. It was among the first facilities in the country to receive LEED Platinum certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)—the highest standard of green building certification.

Several features contribute to its high energy performance:

• An efficient building envelope made of recycled and durable materials;
• A green roof designed to manage and recover stormwater;
• Low-energy LED lighting;
• Heating and cooling systems powered by geothermal energy from the Biodôme.

A notable innovation is the building’s ability to draw on surplus heating and cooling from the Biodôme’s geothermal system. This design adaptation to the Planétarium also reduced the need for additional equipment.

Awards and Recognition

• LEED Platinum Certification, 2015 – Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC)
• Sustainable Communities Award, Energy Category, 2012 – Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
• Énergia Award, Existing Building – Institutional Sector, 2014 – Association québécoise pour la maîtrise de l'énergie (AQME)
• Honourable Mention, ICI Building – Innovative Practices Category – Contech Innovation and Sustainable Development Awards

All these initiatives at Espace pour la vie museums are made possible through internal and external expertise. The goal is to continually improve the energy performance of our institutions.