Frequently Asked Questions

You Asked Us…

The FBI has included a new Frequently Asked Question section to provide answers to some of the questions we have received in the area of federal energy management.

If you have any questions related to energy management and energy efficiency within the federal sector, please contact us. All enquiries will receive a response.

The Federal Buildings Initiative

What is the Federal Buildings Initiative (FBI)?

Who is eligible, and where do non-federal organizations look for assistance?

What are the advantages of implementing an energy efficiency project under the FBI?

Besides lower greenhouse gas emissions, are there other environmental benefits to implementing an FBI project?

How does the Real Property Institute of Canada (RPIC) contribute to the federal real property community?

Energy Performance Contracting

What is an energy performance contract (EPC)? And what type of work gets done?

Is an EPC a service contract or a construction contract?

Qualified Bidders List

What is an energy service company (ESCo)?

What is the Qualified Bidder's List (QBL)?

Early Project Planning

What can we do to improve the process and outcome of our energy efficiency project?

We have budgeted for some small energy related upgrades in the coming years. Is this a sound approach for improving our building's energy efficiency?

What if we have limited information on our property holdings and energy consumption?

To achieve energy savings, is it necessary to accept a lower level of indoor comfort?

What are energy audits and why are they important?

What types of energy audits are associated with energy efficiency projects