There is no denying that retrofitting a building takes capital. Fortunately, there are many organizations that can help you get started.
Financing
& Incentives
The upfront capital costs need to retrofit a building can be a barrier for some. Fortunately for Canadians, there are many opportunities and support networks for those looking to green their properties. With the financing options and incentives detailed below, you can start changing—and saving—in no time.
The City of Ottawa has identified several retrofit financing options available today which may serve building owners and operators looking to undertake deep energy retrofits. The City of Ottawa has no official ties or associations with any of these financiers.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank is a federal Crown Corporation of Canada mandated to
invest in infrastructure which benefits Canadians. Their Building Retrofits Initiative focuses on realizing projects aligned with the City of Ottawa's climate change targets.
Help is on the way
ELIGIBILITY
- Existing Part 3 buildings
- Minimum of 30% GHG reductions
- Use Ameresco design & engineering service
- Up to 100% of project costs with 80% loan at CIB interest rates (variable based on GHG reductions)
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- Existing Part 3 buildings
PROGRAM TERMS
- Construction financing (up to 2 years with consideration for a stabilization period) based around Government of Canada 10-year Bond pricing; with market-rate commercial mortgage refinancing post-retrofit
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- Existing Part 3 buildings
- Minimum of 30% GHG reductions must be achieved
PROGRAM TERMS
- Minimum $25M loan
- Up to 80% of project value, 25-year term
- Greater than 50% GHG reductions: interest rate of GOC (1%)
- 30% GHG reductions = interest rate of GOC + 1%
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
LOAN TERMS
- Existing Part 3 buildings
- Minimum of 30% GHG reductions must be achieved
- Use Johnson Controls design & engineering services
LOAN TERMS
- Up to 100% of project costs with 80% loan at CIB interest rates (variable based on GHG reductions)
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- Existing Part 3 buildings
- Minimum of 30% GHG reductions must be achieved
- Use Johnson Controls design & engineering services
PROGRAM TERMS
- Up to 100% of project costs with 80% loan at CIB interest rates (variable based on GHG reductions)
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- Existing Part 3 buildings
- > $1M/yr utility bills
- Minimum of 30% GHG reductions must be achieved
- Use SOFIAC’s design & engineering services
PROGRAM TERMS
- Up to 100% of project costs with 80% loan at CIB interest rates (variable based on GHG reductions)
More info +
Affordable Housing
ELIGIBILITY
PROGRAM TERMS
- Affordable housing providers
- Minimum 5 units
- Buildings must be at least 20 years old
PROGRAM TERMS
- Pre-retrofit and retrofit funding available
- Funding for up to 100% of eligible costs
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- Accessible/Affordable housing
- New or existing buildings
- Government partner
PROGRAM TERMS
- 95% of costs
- 20-year term
- Fixed interest rates for two 10-year terms
- Amortization of 50 years
- Forgivable loans available if required
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- Affordable, accessible, and/or efficient housing wit 5+ units
- Retirement homes with 50+ beds
- New construction and existing buildings
- If 40% GHG reductions = 1% interest rates
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- New buildings or conversions
- Primarily residential
- 5+ affordable units
PROGRAM TERMS
- Grants and low interest loans for business plans, designs, development permits, etc.
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
SUPPORT
- Affordable housing
- Federal agreement
SUPPORT
- $50k grant for studies
More info +
ELIGIBILITY
- Affordable housing owned by non-profits, co-ops, or municipalities
PROGRAM TERMS
- 25-year terms
- Up to 80% of costs
- Max loan of $10M
- 25 – 50% of loan equal to projected energy savings
More info +
Incentives
Gas Incentives & Rebates
ELIGIBILITY
INCENTIVE INFO
- All buildings will be eligible in early 2023, not only Enbridge customers.
INCENTIVE INFO
- 50% of retrofit project costs.
- Specific incentives for heating/cooling/ventilation equipment, building envelope, controls, ozone laundry.
- For affordable MURBs: Up to $8,000 per audit.
Save on Energy Programs
ELIGIBILITY
INCENTIVE INFO
- Specific programs for income eligible residents, small and large businesses, contractors, and First Nations.
INCENTIVE INFO
- Grants for electrical equipment or facility-wide improvements and solar generation
more info +
Federal Income Tax Incentives for Clean Energy Equipment
ELIGIBILITY
INCENTIVE INFO
- For all businesses paying income tax.
INCENTIVE INFO
- Accelerated capital cost allowance for clean energy and energy conservation equipment. May be fully deducted in year incurred, carried forward, or renounced under a flow-through share agreement.
Business Income Tax - Investment Tax Credit for Technologies
ELIGIBILITY
INCENTIVE INFO
- For all businesses paying income tax.
INCENTIVE INFO
- Tax Credit equal to 30% of the capital cost of clean electricity generating and storage equipment, heat pumps, and off road zero emissions vehicles.
