Buildings, including our homes, account for 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, so helping Canadians make where they live more energy-efficient supports environmental objectives while making homes more comfortable and more affordable to maintain.
Announced in the Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Greener Homes initiative is available to homeowners retroactive to December 1, 2020.
The Greener Homes initiative is an opportunity for homeowners to invest in their home, making it more comfortable to live in and reducing costs. It is also an opportunity to become better prepared for changes that will come in future with more stringent building codes, including for existing homes and buildings.
These actions will also help Canada meet its 2030 climate change commitments and significantly contribute to Canada’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while increasing the health and wellness of Canadians.
Retrofitting existing homes — such as replacing windows and doors and improving the building envelope, including by adding insulation — is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Greener Homes initiative will provide homeowners with up to $5,000 in grants for the purchase and installation of qualifying equipment or for the implementation of qualifying measures. The details are currently being finalized. They could include some heating and cooling system retrofits, envelope measures such as windows and insulation and some renewable energy measures.
To participate in the initiative, a homeowner’s primary residence must be eligible for an EnerGuide home evaluation. These residences include:
- Single and semi-detached houses
- Row housing
- Townhomes
- All-season cottages
- Mobile homes on a permanent foundation
- Permanently moored floating homes
- Low-rise multi-unit residential buildings (3 storeys or less with a footprint of 600m2 or less)*
- Mixed-use buildings (residential portion only)*
*Commercial multi-residential units (over 3 storeys or over 600 m2 in footprint) are not eligible homes under the initiative.
Homeowners will be required to demonstrate that the home they are registering is their primary residence.
How do I get started?
Step 1 – Get an EnerGuide Evaluation
To be eligible for reimbursement, participants in the Greener Homes initiative must obtain an EnerGuide home evaluation before the retrofit and then a post-retrofit evaluation once renovations are completed. The home evaluations will help homeowners identify eligible measures, plan their retrofits and understand the performance of their homes following the retrofits.
Independent EnerGuide energy advisors, registered with NRCan, carry out the home evaluations. Once completed, the evaluation report will give you information to inform your decisions about what retrofits to undertake to reduce energy use. You can start this step now. The cost of the initial home evaluation varies depending on the size of home, but a typical 2,000 sq. ft. home would be approximately $450.00.
Some approved local energy advisors are below. There are others that you can also research.
Verdatech Energy Management & Consulting – 403-251-0683
AmeriSpec of Canada – 403-257-4820
4Elements – 403-250-5514
Step 2 – Document Your Retrofit Journey
To be eligible for retroactive payment, you must document your retrofit journey. The journey must begin with your EnerGuide home evaluation.
Keep all copies of invoices for the home evaluation and invoices for your retrofit work. Your energy advisor will take photos before and after your retrofit work.
Step 3 – Get a Post-Retrofit Home Evaluation
Participants must obtain a post-retrofit home evaluation after the work is completed. This evaluation helps homeowners understand the performance of their home following their retrofits. The post-retrofit evaluation documents the changes to your home’s energy performance and completes your retrofit journey. The approximate cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home is $250.00
Below is the link to the government website.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/funding-partnerships/funding-opportunities/funding-grants-incentives/our-action-starts-home-home-energy-retrofit-initiative/23230
As mentioned, this initiative has not been totally rolled out with details of what work will qualify for the grant and what processes and forms are required. We will stay apprised and communicate as we get further information.