The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a federal program launched in May 2021 that aims to help Canadians make their homes more energy-efficient, fight climate change, and create new jobs for energy advisors across the country. Through the initiative, eligible homeowners can receive grants of up to $5,000 to cover a portion of the costs of eligible home retrofits, as well as up to $600 to cover the costs of pre and post retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations. Additionally, homeowners can apply for an interest-free loan of up to $40,000, with a repayment term of 10 years.
The initiative is part of the government’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings, including homes, account for 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, and energy-efficient retrofits can help reduce these emissions while also saving homeowners money on their monthly energy bills. The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a key component of the government’s strategy to transition to a low-carbon economy and build a more sustainable future for all Canadians.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative and everything you need to know about the program. We will cover the eligibility criteria, the types of retrofits that are eligible for funding, the application process, and the benefits of participating in the initiative. Whether you are a homeowner looking to make your home more energy-efficient or an energy advisor interested in participating in the program, this article will provide you with the information you need to get started.
What is the Canada Greener Homes Initiative?
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a program launched by the Government of Canada in May 2021 to help Canadians make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, fight climate change, create new jobs across Canada for energy advisors, and save money on their monthly energy bills. The initiative offers grants and interest-free loans to eligible homeowners who want to make their homes more energy-efficient.
Overview
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative offers grants of up to $5,000 to homeowners who want to make their homes more energy-efficient. The grant can be used to cover a part of the costs of eligible home retrofits, such as upgrading windows and doors, improving insulation, and installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. The initiative also offers interest-free loans of up to $40,000, which can be repaid over a period of up to 10 years.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Indigenous person
- Own a primary residence
- Conduct a pre-retrofit evaluation by an NRCan licensed energy advisor
- Conduct a post-retrofit evaluation by an NRCan licensed energy advisor
- Complete at least one retrofit measure that is eligible for the grant
- Provide documentation to support the retrofit grant application
- Have a valid property tax bill number
Eligible home retrofits
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative covers a wide range of eligible home retrofits, including:
- Air-sealing
- Insulation
- Windows and doors
- Smart thermostats
- Heat pumps
- Renewable energy systems
- Resiliency measures
The initiative also provides rebates for energy audits and covers the costs of pre and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.
In summary, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a program designed to help Canadians make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, save money, and fight climate change. The program offers grants and interest-free loans for eligible home retrofits, and homeowners must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify. The initiative covers a wide range of eligible home retrofits, including air-sealing, insulation, windows and doors, smart thermostats, heat pumps, renewable energy systems, and resiliency measures.
How to Participate in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative
Participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a great way for homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce their energy consumption. The process involves several steps, including booking an energy advisor, completing pre- and post-retrofit evaluations, selecting eligible retrofits, and submitting documentation to receive rebates and grants. Here’s a breakdown of each step:
Step 1: Book an Energy Advisor
The first step in participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is to book an energy advisor. Homeowners can use the Energy Advisor Search Tool to find an energy advisor in their area. Once they have chosen an energy advisor, they must register for the program by calling 1-833-674-8282 or registering online. The energy advisor will then conduct a pre-retrofit evaluation of the home to determine its energy consumption and identify potential retrofits.
Step 2: Pre-Retrofit Evaluation
The pre-retrofit evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of the home’s energy consumption and potential retrofits. The energy advisor will assess the home’s insulation, air-sealing, windows, doors, and thermostats. Based on the evaluation, the energy advisor will provide a renovation upgrade report that outlines the recommended retrofits and estimated costs.
Step 3: Select Eligible Retrofits
After the pre-retrofit evaluation, homeowners can select eligible retrofits to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Eligible retrofits include insulation, air-sealing, windows, doors, and smart thermostats. Homeowners should work with their energy advisor to select the retrofits that will provide the most significant energy savings and meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Step 4: Post-Retrofit Evaluation
Once the retrofits are complete, the energy advisor will conduct a post-retrofit evaluation of the home to determine its new energy consumption and calculate the energy savings. Homeowners must submit the renovation upgrade report, pre- and post-retrofit evaluation reports, and documentation of the retrofits to receive rebates and grants.
In conclusion, participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative can help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce their energy consumption. By following the steps outlined above and working with an energy advisor, homeowners can select eligible retrofits and receive rebates and grants to offset the costs of the retrofits.
Benefits of Participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative
Participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative has several benefits for homeowners, including saving money on energy bills, reducing their carbon footprint, increasing their home’s resale value, and creating new jobs in the energy efficiency sector.
Save Money on Energy Bills
One of the most significant benefits of participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is the opportunity to save money on energy bills. By retrofitting their homes with energy-efficient equipment, such as smart thermostats, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption and lower their monthly bills. Additionally, the program offers rebates for energy audits and retrofit grants, which can further reduce the cost of upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative also helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint. Buildings, including homes, account for 18 percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. By retrofitting their homes with energy-efficient equipment, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. The program also encourages the use of renewable energy and cold climate air source heat pumps, which can further reduce carbon emissions.
Increase Your Home’s Resale Value
Another benefit of participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is the potential to increase your home’s resale value. Energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly popular among homebuyers, and homes with energy-efficient upgrades are likely to sell for a higher price than homes without these upgrades. Additionally, the program offers interest-free loans with a repayment term of 10 years for major retrofits, such as space and water heating upgrades, which can further increase the value of your home.
Create New Jobs
Participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative also creates new jobs in the energy efficiency sector. The program creates both direct and indirect jobs, such as those in the retrofit equipment manufacturing industry and the energy advisor industry. According to the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, the program has the potential to create thousands of middle-class jobs and contribute to the development of a net-zero economy. By participating in the program, homeowners can contribute to the growth of the energy efficiency workforce and help create new job opportunities.
Overall, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative offers several benefits for homeowners, including saving money on energy bills, reducing their carbon footprint, increasing their home’s resale value, and creating new jobs in the energy efficiency sector. By retrofitting their homes and upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, homeowners can reduce inefficiencies and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a comprehensive program that aims to help homeowners across the country make their homes more energy-efficient, reduce their carbon footprint, and save money on energy bills. Through a combination of grants and interest-free loans, the program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners who want to undertake home retrofits.
By participating in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, homeowners can access grants of up to $5,000 to cover the costs of eligible home retrofits, such as upgrading insulation, installing new windows and doors, or replacing an old furnace. In addition, the program provides up to $600 to cover the costs of pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations, which can help homeowners identify areas where they can make further energy-saving improvements.
For homeowners who need additional financial assistance, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative also offers interest-free loans of up to $40,000, with a repayment term of 10 years. The loans can be used to cover the costs of eligible home retrofits, as well as other energy-saving measures, such as installing solar panels or upgrading to a more efficient heating system.
Overall, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is an excellent opportunity for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and improve the comfort and value of their homes. By taking advantage of the program’s grants and interest-free loans, homeowners can make smart investments in their homes and their futures.