EFFICIENCY WITHIN REACH
2 software platforms in development
4 strategically situated offices
100+ years of combined experience
150+ projects completed 250k+ in incentives unlocked
EFFICIENCY WITHIN REACH
WHO IS DUNE?
POWERING SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND MAXIMIZING GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
At DUNE Engineering, we not only provide expert commissioning, energy modeling, and detailed energy assessments—we also specialize in helping organizations unlock valuable grant funding and incentives for energy efficiency projects. Our experience navigating these programs ensures that you receive maximum financial support for retrofits, new construction, and sustainability initiatives. Our team leverages its decades of expertise and advanced tools like RETScreen and Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) to optimize your building’s performance and secure funding that accelerates your energy goals. From municipal buildings to large industrial projects, we help clients save on capital costs while achieving long-term energy efficiency.
WHY CHOOSE DUNE?
Grant Funding Expertise: We simplify the grant application process, ensuring you meet all the requirements to secure maximum funding for your energy efficiency projects. DUNE’s deep knowledge of both federal and provincial programs ensures you access the most advantageous incentives.
Tailored Energy Solutions: We provide customized energy assessments, modeling, and commissioning strategies designed to unlock savings and financial support, enabling you to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Value Engineering: We utilize advanced analysis techniques like Parametric Analysis to optimize your facility designs to produce the highest possible performance for the lowest cost.
Decarbonization Pathways: We apply our expertise in energy and GHG analysis towards comprehensive decarbonization strategies. We provide energy and GHG policy analysis for Cities, Towns, Municipalities, Provinces and government departments.
Advanced Software for Peak Performance: With our proprietary ADDAPT and THRIVE software, we bring cutting-edge technology to your project, ensuring seamless execution of energy assessments, commissioning, NECB compliance and decarbonization strategies.
UNLOCK GRANTS & INCENTIVES
At DUNE Engineering, we are experts in guiding organizations through the grant application process for energy efficiency upgrades and new construction. From federal to provincial programs, we ensure you capitalize on every available incentive to fund your energy projects.
AVAILABLE INCENTIVES:
CMHC - Pre-Retrofit Funding for multi-unit residential buildings
The Canada Greener Affordable Housing – Pre-Retrofit Funding program offers up to $130,000 for multi-unit residential buildings to support preretrofit activities. Eligible applicants include non-profit housing providers, Indigenous organizations, and municipal governments. Funding can cover activities like building condition assessments, energy audits, and engineering studies.
Federal Green Municipal Fund
The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) offers funding and resources for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability. With approximately $2.4 billion in funding, GMF helps local governments implement initiatives like sustainable building construction, energy systems, fleet electrification, and waste-to-energy projects. Municipalities can access grants, loans, and capacity-building resources to drive impactful environmental, economic, and social benefits. The program supports feasibility studies, capital projects, and energy-efficient infrastructure with loans and grants. Capital projects can receive a grant of up to 15% of the loan amount.
INCENTIVES
Emissions Reduction Alberta
Rebates available for energy-efficient equipment like lighting, HVAC, and water heaters, helping businesses lower both emissions and operational costs.
Clean BC Government Buildings Program
Offers funding for energy retrofits in government-owned buildings, including schools, hospitals, and municipal offices. Proposals must align with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
MCCAC Community Energy Conservation Program (Alberta)
The Community Energy Conservation Program (CEC) provides access to financing covering up to 100 percent of project costs. Provides up to $500,000 for municipal energy audits and retrofits, with bonuses for achieving significant emissions reductions. Including;
→ Recreation centres, arenas, pools
→ Libraries, offices, town halls, community halls
→ Public works buildings
→ Fire halls and other emergency operations buildings
→ Water and wastewater treatment facilities, and
→ Eligibility of other facilities is determined on a case-by-case basis
→ Energy Audits – Up to 50% of audit costs (per facility) to a maximum of $7,500 for all municipal facilities.
→ Retrofit Projects – Up to 50% of project costs. Projects may receive 25-50% of project costs depending on the abatement rate.
→ Retrofit Project Bonus – A bonus 10% project cost rebate will apply if a CEC project results in a 20% or greater reduction in facility-wide emissions.
COMMISSIONING SERVICES
NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS
Whether you’re constructing a new building or retrofitting an existing facility, our commissioning process ensures all systems are optimized to meet energy goals. DUNE Engineering verifies installation, set-up, and performance of equipment, providing long-term operational efficiency.
Building commissioning is a low-cost, low-risk process that could be the single most cost-effective strategy for reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in buildings today.
As a process rather than a set of prescriptive measures, commissioning is a proven way to optimize building systems operations and performance. Whether constructing a new facility or evaluating an existing building, the process adapts to meet the unique needs of each building, owner, operator(s), facility user group(s) and / or occupant(s). DUNE Engineering’s Commissioning Team is well positioned to help ensure your buildings are designed and constructed as intended.
DUNE’s Commissioning Team and processes also support the energy-efficient goals of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings and other emerging provincial and municipal building energy codes, standards and guidelines such as those put out by CSA, ASHRAE, The Building Commissioning Association (BCxA) and LEED, for example.
ADDAPT COMMISSIONING SOFTWARE
ADDAPT Commissioning Software is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform designed to streamline the commissioning (Cx) and retro-commissioning (RCx) processes for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. It serves as a living repository for all project data, allowing clients to track equipment, testing, and energy performance during construction and years later, making it an invaluable tool for ongoing building maintenance and performance optimization.
Key features of ADDAPT include:
→ Asset Management: Manage and update an inventory of building assets, track maintenance schedules, and access equipment details.
→ Commissioning Automation: Use online forms for Cx/RCx issues, functional testing, and automated reporting, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with manual documentation. The platform also includes features such as operation and maintenance manuals and online milestone tracking, making it a powerful tool for facility managers and maintenance personnel. By consolidating critical data, ADDAPT simplifies the management of complex building systems, ensuring long-term efficiency and sustainability.
ENERGY MODELING
NATIONAL ENERGY CODE FOR BUILDINGS
The National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) establishes building standards for commercial buildings and requires that a minimum energy and environmental performance be met. The national energy code offers flexibility with three compliance paths: prescriptive, trade-off and performance.
Performance Path:
Offers the most design flexibility and requires that the building simply demonstrate that the proposed design will not consume more energy than an equivalent building built to the standards of the NECB prescriptive path. This path is often chosen as it enables the energy modeler, designer and builder the freedom to find the most economical way to meet the building code.
DUNE Engineering utilizes Integrated Environmental Solutions – Virtual Environment energy modeling software to demonstrate compliance with the national energy code.
Energy Modeling
Simulate, Optimize, and Access Funding
With energy modeling, DUNE ensures that your building design or retrofit is both energy-efficient and eligible for grants tied to energy performance targets.
Maximize Funding Opportunities: Our team’s expertise in energy modeling is crucial for securing financial support through programs that require simulation and performance verification. We help clients meet energy code requirements and exceed grant criteria.
Service Details: We simulate energy use and savings for various systems, helping you choose the best solutions for reducing operational costs and maximizing available incentives.
Parametric analysis is a method used in energy modeling and design optimization that involves systematically varying key parameters to evaluate their impact on building performance. By adjusting variables such as insulation levels, window types, HVAC systems, or renewable energy integration, parametric analysis helps identify the most efficient and cost-effective design solutions. This approach allows engineers and designers to explore multiple scenarios, providing data-driven insights for optimizing energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and meeting project-specific sustainability goals. It’s a powerful tool for making informed decisions during both the design and retrofit phases of building projects
DETAILED ENERGY ASSESSMENTS
UNDERSTANDING ENERGY ASSESSMENTS
An energy assessment is the first step in understanding how well your building is using energy and identifying ways to improve its performance. By taking a closer look at how your facility operates, an energy assessment helps you create a plan to boost efficiency, save on energy costs, and make your building more comfortable for occupants.
Regular energy assessments can uncover areas where small changes can make a big difference, from fixing issues with heating and cooling systems to improving lighting. This not only reduces your environmental impact but also cuts down on wasted energy and costs over time.
Without an energy assessment, you risk spending money on projects that may not provide the best return. A professional energy audit helps you prioritize improvements that have the greatest impact on both your budget and the environment.
Types of Energy Audits
Energy audits come in different levels, each offering a more detailed look at how your building uses energy:
1. Basic Walk-Through: This is a quick review of your building’s energy use and identifies low/no-cost and some capital cost energy-saving opportunities. It’s great for getting a general idea of where improvements can be made.
2. Detailed Energy Assessment: This audit goes deeper, providing a thorough analysis of your building’s systems, such as lighting, heating, cooling, and hot water. It includes energy-saving recommendations, cost estimates, and a clear plan to improve performance.
3. Comprehensive Energy Assessment: For large or complex buildings, this level of audit gathers detailed energy use data and includes dynamic 3D energy modeling. It provides a precise analysis of energy use and offers highly accurate recommendations, which are especially helpful for bigger projects that require significant investment.
JOIN THE FUTURE OF ENERGY ASSESSMENTS
THRIVE simplifies energy audits, reduces costs, and enhances decision-making for facility owners and building operators across all sectors. Get your facilities optimized for energy savings today.
ASSESSMENTS
THRIVE REVOLUTIONIZING ENERGY AUDITS
THRIVE is an innovative energy assessment platform designed to automate energy assessments for commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings. By integrating cuttingedge AI technology, THRIVE drastically reduces the time and cost associated with traditional energy audits, empowering users to perform assessments quickly and accurately.
Key Features:
→ Automation: THRIVE automates complex energy assessments, from utility analysis to ECM (Energy Conservation Measure) selection and financial analysis. Users can complete ASHRAE Level 1 and Level 2 audits with ease, without relying on specialized engineering expertise.
→ Rapid Turnaround: With THRIVE, detailed energy reports are generated in as little as one day, allowing building operators to make informed decisions quickly.
→ Scalable and Accessible: The platform is designed for portfolios of any size, allowing multiple facilities to be assessed simultaneously. Facility managers, operators, and non-experts can conduct highquality energy assessments with minimal training. THRIVE simplifies data collection with user-friendly checklists and prompts, making energy assessments more accessible than ever.
How It Works:
1. Data Collection & Utility Benchmarking: Input basic facility information, including size, location, utility consumption, and equipment inventory. Compare energy use with regional standards and calculate baseline consumption.
2. ECM Selection & Report Generation: THRIVE identifies and bundles potential energy-saving measures, automatically calculating savings, payback periods, and return on investment. Generate comprehensive reports with energy-saving recommendations, financial analysis, and GHG reduction forecasts, sharable as PDFs or via web links.
3. Expert Assistance & Funding Access: Remote energy specialists are available through the platform to provide expert guidance and assistance, ensuring a seamless experience. THRIVE is also designed to unlock grant funding opportunities for energy efficiency projects.
DECARBONIZATION PATHWAYS
At DUNE Engineering, we specialize in creating decarbonization plans by leveraging energy and GHG policy analysis for a broad range of clients, including cities, towns, municipalities, provinces, and government departments.
Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of a client’s current energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. We then conduct a detailed analysis of local, regional, and national energy policies, focusing on carbon pricing, renewable energy targets, energy efficiency standards, and regulatory requirements.
By examining existing and future energy policies, we help clients navigate complex regulatory environments, identify available funding or incentives, and ensure compliance with evolving legislation. For municipalities and governments, this often includes aligning decarbonization strategies with broader sustainability goals, such as reducing emissions, improving energy resilience, and promoting clean energy technologies.
Our team uses advanced energy modeling and simulation tools to evaluate potential energy-saving measures and low-carbon technologies. We develop comprehensive strategies that incorporate energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy integration, and demand management techniques, all tailored to the specific needs and policy contexts of our clients. By balancing technical solutions with policy frameworks, we create actionable decarbonization pathways that maximize both environmental benefits and economic viability.
Through ongoing collaboration with local governments and public institutions, DUNE Engineering ensures that our decarbonization plans are practical, forward-thinking, and fully aligned with the broader energy transition objectives set by each jurisdiction. Our Process
PATHWAYS
ENERGY USE & GHG EMISSIONS
ENERGY POLICY ANALYSIS
NAVIGATING REGULATIONS & INCENTIVES CREATING CUSTOM STRATEGIES
PORTFOLIO & RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
GREY MOUNTAIN HOUSING
Location
The Grey Mountain Multi-Residential Housing facility in Whitehorse, Yukon, underwent energy modeling and design by DUNE Engineering in collaboration with Building Systems Consulting (BSC). The project aimed to meet National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) standards while optimizing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using IES-VE software, DUNE modeled the building to reflect Yukon’s unique climate, focusing on envelope R-values, air leakage, Heat Recovery, and HVAC efficiency.
Energy Modeling Results: Certified Energy Manager (CEM) professionals simulated the energy model, identifying Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) projected to reduce electrical consumption by 27%,
saving 622,761 kWh annually and $149,435 in costs. ECMs included both passive measures (envelope upgrades) and active systems (zoned heat pumps, solar PV), ensuring compliance with ASHRAE and NECB standards.
Value Engineering: Through value engineering, DUNE and BSC balanced energy efficiency with cost and feasibility, focusing on passive and active solutions to meet NECB performance tiers.
This project demonstrates DUNE’s expertise in energy-efficient designs which save on both construction and operational costs.
AVENUE LIVING
Location
6x Detailed Energy Assessments on MURBS
DUNE Engineering performed energy modeling and design for energy-efficient retrofits on six multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) across Alberta. The goal was to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions using a combination of low-cost and capital-intensive Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs).
Building Design: DUNE conducted ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits on Avenue Living MURBs in Calgary and Lethbridge, developing baseline energy models using RETScreen software. The models accurately reflected existing building conditions and were calibrated to match actual utility consumption. Certified Energy Manager (CEM) professionals ensured compliance with ASHRAE standards.
Energy Modeling Results: Two ECM bundles were created:
→ Budget Bundle: Focused on low-cost ECMs. → Maximum Bundle: Included both low-cost and capital ECMs.
Key measures included building envelope upgrades, boiler replacements, LED lighting, solar PV systems, and low-flow water fixtures, resulting in projected energy savings of 30% and 40% for the Budget and Maximum Bundles, respectively, along with similar GHG reductions.
DUNE’s approach balanced immediate savings with long-term energy performance, demonstrating their expertise in energy audits, modeling, and cost estimation.
ALBERTA MOTOR ASSOCIATION HQ
Edmonton, AB
DUNE Engineering conducted an in-depth energy assessment for the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Headquarters in Edmonton, identifying key opportunities for energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. Through the use of advanced energy modeling, the building’s baseline energy use was analyzed and the model calibrated to historical consumption.
Our team proposed several high-impact Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), including lighting upgrades, retro-commissioning, digital controls with demand control ventilation, and heat recovery systems. The assessment projected significant reductions resulting in over to $110,000 in annual cost savings and nearly 600 tonnes of CO₂
equivalent reductions.
The total implementation cost was estimated at $600,000, offering a 5.5-year simple payback period and a net present value (NPV) of over $770,000. Potential funding opportunities were also identified to further improve the financial results.
This project highlights DUNE Engineering’s expertise in delivering comprehensive energy assessments that lead to measurable environmental and financial benefits. By leveraging advanced modeling tools and implementing tailored ECMs, we help our clients achieve their sustainability goals while optimizing operational efficiency.
BANFF MURB HIGH PERFORMANCE RETROFIT
Location
Facility Condition Report and ASHRAE Level 3
Energy Modeling Report on Town of Banff Staff Residence
DUNE Engineering conducted a comprehensive ASHRAE Level 3 energy modeling analysis for the Town of Banff Staff Residence, aimed at optimizing building retrofits for high energy performance in a mountain climate. DUNE Engineering assisted with funding applications which funded the entire project.
Value Engineering: Parametric analysis played a role in the project’s success by systematically exploring the effects of different building parameters, such as insulation levels and mechanical system configurations. By simulating numerous design scenarios the team was able to identify the most
effective combinations that met the required energy efficiency targets. The iterative process allowed for refining design options based on energy use intensity (EUI), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resulting in optimal design solutions.
Through parametric analysis, the project delivered valuable insights, including strategies for passive measures (e.g., enhanced building envelopes) and active systems (e.g., mechanical and renewable energy solutions), ensuring that the Town of Banff can achieve its long-term energy efficiency goals with well-informed decision-making.
KELOWNA TOYOTA
Kelowna British Columbia
Design of a high efficiency HVAC system at a new dealership building. Mechanical systems included natural gas fired rooftop units, energy recovery ventilators, maintenance exhaust systems, and vehicle wash bays.
The new location is a 48,000-square foot facility features 27 service bays and a full detailing centre. The showroom has room for 14 vehicles to showcase a full range of Toyota models. The facility also features a customer lounges with comfortable seating, multiple TVs, and internet access.
ROBERT SERVICE SCHOOL COMMISSIONING PROJECT
Location
DUNE Engineering provided comprehensive commissioning services for the mechanical system upgrades at the Robert Service School in Dawson City, Yukon. The project involved significant improvements, including the installation of new backflow preventers, generators, VAV boxes, heating and reheat coils, pumps, boilers, and domestic hot water heaters.
Our team’s approach included reviewing shop drawings, developing commissioning checklists, and preparing test procedures. DUNE Engineering worked closely with the contractors to ensure that all systems were installed correctly and functioned according to the design intent. We conducted pre-functional reviews at key milestones and witnessed the startup and integration of HVAC and
electrical systems to verify that performance goals were met.
Throughout the project, DUNE chaired commissioning meetings, facilitated collaboration between contractors, and oversaw the completion of all required documentation. Our team also verified controls integration and coordinated owner training to ensure the school staff was fully prepared to operate the upgraded systems.
This project highlights DUNE Engineering’s expertise in ensuring that complex building systems are efficiently commissioned to meet both regulatory and operational standards, providing long-term value and performance.
202 HANSON STREET
Whitehorse, Yukon
The new six storey building will be constructed in downtown Whitehorse, just two blocks from Main Street. Featuring six floors of commercial rental space, each being subdividable in half. Mechanical systems will include Air Source Heat Pumps for each space (2 two per floor) and a high efficiency reverseflow Energy Recovery Ventilator for fresh air and exhaust.
YUKON HOUSING CORP. MURB
Whitehorse, Yukon
The multi-unit residential building consists of a main building with 43 units, and a separate wing with four 2-storey townhouses, covering a total of 4345.2m2 in downtown Whitehorse.
Mechanical systems included decentralized hot water heaters for each suite, an automatic sprinkler system throughout, electric heat, a centralized high efficiency energy recovery ventilator for the main building with individual heat recovery ventilators for each townhouse. These systems provided excellent occupant comfort while simplifying maintenance requirements for the owner.