Mike
3 min readSep 14, 2023

Canada Greener Homes Initiative: Grants, Loans, and Eligible Retrofits’

In an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of our priorities, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a beacon of hope for homeowners across the nation. This initiative, designed to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints, offers grants and loans to make your home more sustainable and cost-effective. In this article, we will delve into the details of the program, outlining eligible retrofits and grant amounts available for homeowners in select provinces and territories.

Environment

Grants from $125 to $5,000

The heart of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative lies in the grants offered to homeowners for eligible home retrofits. Depending on the type of retrofit and the improvements made, grants range from $125 to a substantial $5,000. These grants are a financial incentive to motivate homeowners to invest in sustainable upgrades, ultimately contributing to a greener Canada.

EnerGuide Evaluations

One of the unique features of this initiative is the support it provides for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations. Homeowners can receive up to $600 as a maximum contribution towards the total costs of these evaluations. These assessments help homeowners understand their home’s energy performance before and after the retrofit, offering valuable insights into the improvements achieved.

Interest-Free Loans

To undertake major home retrofits, homeowners can access interest-free loans of up to $40,000 with a repayment term of 10 years. These loans offer the flexibility needed to make significant improvements to your home, all while being environmentally responsible.

Ineligible Retrofits

Before you embark on your home improvement journey, it’s crucial to ensure that your desired retrofit is eligible through the initiative. Some retrofits are not eligible, so be sure to check the guidelines to avoid any disappointments.

Special Measures for Northern and Off-Grid Communities

The Canada Greener Homes Initiative acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Canadians living in northern and off-grid communities. These challenges include higher equipment and labor costs. As a result, special measures and incentives have been designed to cater to the specific needs of these communities.

Eligible Retrofits: Making Your Home Greener

  1. Home Insulation (Up to $5,000): Upgrade your attic, cathedral ceiling, flat roof, exterior wall, exposed floor, basement, or crawl space to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
  2. Air-Sealing (Up to $1,000): Enhance the airtightness of your home to meet specific air-change rate targets, reducing energy wastage.
  3. Windows and Doors (Up to $5,000): Replace your doors, windows, or sliding glass doors with ENERGY STAR® certified models to improve insulation and reduce drafts.
  4. Thermostat (Up to $50): Add a smart thermostat to your home to enhance comfort and save on energy bills. Note that this must be combined with another energy efficiency retrofit.
  5. Space and Water Heating (Up to $5,000): Upgrade your space heating or water heating equipment to energy-efficient models, resulting in savings on utility bills and reduced carbon emissions.
  6. Renewable Energy (Up to $5,000): Install a solar photovoltaic system to harness sunlight energy and convert it into electricity, contributing to sustainable energy generation.
  7. Resiliency Measures (Up to $2,625): Implement measures to protect your home and family from environmental damages. This retrofit must be combined with another energy efficiency retrofit.
  8. Low-Rise Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs): Homeowners in multi-unit residential buildings can explore additional incentives to maximize their benefits.

The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is an incredible opportunity for homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, reduce utility bills, and contribute to a greener future. With grants, loans, and a wide range of eligible retrofits, it’s never been easier to make your home eco-friendly. Take the first step toward a sustainable future by exploring this initiative and making your home a greener place to live.

You can view more details directly from their website, here.

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