What You Need to Know About Canada’s Greener Homes Grant

Have you been thinking about ways to make your home more energy efficient? From upgrading your windows to adding insulation, there are several ways to make your home more sustainable. And, thanks to the Canada Greener Homes Grant, you might be able to offset the costs.

The Greener Homes Grant is a government initiative launched in early 2021 in response to the growing demand for more energy-efficient, greener home programs. The grant aims to help minimize greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future for Canada.

If you’re thinking of making energy-saving renovations to your home, here’s what you’ll need to know about the Greener Homes Grant.

Who Is Eligible For the Canada Greener Homes Grant?

Any eligible homeowner in Canada can participate in the initiative. However, certain conditions must be met to request an EnerGuide evaluation or register for those living in Quebec or Nova Scotia.

Registration is limited to one homeowner per home. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the grant:

• Ensure you have your property tax bill number (found on municipal tax documents) to prove ownership.
• Show proof that the property is your primary residence by showing your driver’s license or government-issued ID (including your address).

Under the initiative, the following groups are also eligible to apply:

• Housing management bodies and other representative or Indigenous service delivery organizations with formal partnerships with Indigenous governments or organizations
• Indigenous governments and organizations (e.g., band councils, land claim organizations)

There is no limitation on how many homes an applicant may register, including those that are not the owner’s primary residence. It is mandatory for the homes to be owned by the applicant and occupied by Indigenous families.

How To Apply For Canada Greener Homes Grant?

Applying for the Canada Greener Homes Grant is fast and simple! Just follow these simple steps:

Step #1: Discover the eligibility requirements, documentation requirements, and other considerations for participating in this initiative.

Step #2: Sign up and schedule your pre-retrofit evaluation.  Upon confirmation of registration, the program will send a registration number.

• Within the Homeowner Portal, select the Service Organization you wish to connect with.
• Visit the Energy Advisor Search Tool to find local energy advisors and service organizations.

• In the Homeowner Portal, find an energy advisor that works for the service organization you wish to work with, then submit your request for an EnerGuide pre-retrofit evaluation.
• If you cannot find an energy advisor, you may email and inform Natural Resources Canada through this website.

Step #3: Utilize your Renovation Upgrade Report to plan, document, and complete retrofits for your home.  Plan your upgrades online by checking out the upgrade requirements and available grants.

Step #4: Make an appointment for a post-retrofit evaluation and request reimbursement.  Furnish an online application form in the Homeowner Portal after your upgrades are complete and book your post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.

Step #5: You will be notified to receive your reimbursement.

What Is Available Through The Canada Greener Homes

Initiative?

Through the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, you can access the following grant amounts:

• Grants from $125 to $5,000

You can get a portion of your expenses reimbursed for eligible home retrofits.

• Up to $600

Your pre- and post-retrofit evaluation costs will be covered to a maximum extent by EnerGuide.

• From $5,000 to $40,000

Loans for major home retrofits that are interest-free and repayable over 10 years

The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a great place to start for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Why Is It Needed To Have a Renovation Upgrade Report?

In your report, you will find a customized action plan that includes the following:

• An overview of recommended upgrades and energy-saving measures
• An overview of your energy consumption
• Heat loss charts showing before and after results for building components
• A comparison of your home’s EnerGuide rating before and after recommended upgrades
• Comments tailored to your needs by your energy advisor
• Tips for reducing energy consumption

What Are Eligible Renovations?

Here’s a quick rundown of the eligible home retrofits for the Greener Homes Grant Canada:

• Home insulation: This is a great way to save money on cooling bills and promote energy-efficient heating equipment. Insulating your attic, cathedral ceiling, exterior walls, basement, crawl space, and flat floor makes a big difference in comfort and energy costs.
• Air-sealing: Another way to reduce energy consumption is to air-seal your home. This means sealing up gaps or cracks where air can leak in or out to reach the air-change rate target.
• Windows and doors:  Replacing your old windows and doors with new, more energy-efficient ENERGY STAR-certified models can help improve your home’s comfort level while saving you money on your energy bills.
• Thermostat: A smart thermostat can help you conserve energy money and energy by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature. It must, however, be paired with another energy efficiency retrofit.
• Space and water heating: If you have a fireplace, wood stove, or another space heater, you could be wasting much energy if it’s not properly insulated. Upgrading your space heater with insulation materials can help improve its efficiency, reduce energy costs, and minimize your carbon footprint.
• Renewable energy: Consider installing solar photovoltaic systems that are eligible retrofits to produce electricity from sunlight.
• Resiliency measures: Resiliency measures are things you can do to ensure your home is better prepared for extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. Furthermore, the project must include another energy efficiency retrofit.
• Low-rise multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs): If you live in a multi-unit residential building, you may be able to maximize your incentives.

Important Information About The Greener Homes Grant 

• Keep receipts for every upgrade performed. You must submit these receipts to the homeowner portal to receive the grant money.
• You will only be eligible for a grant amount equal to or less than the amount you spent for the upgrade. For example, if you paid $200 for air sealing, your maximum grant amount will be $200.
• Be sure to apply for the grant within one year of completing the eligible home upgrades. You can find more information about eligible upgrades on the government website.

What is the Role Of An Energy Advisor?

As a homeowner, you may be able to qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which can help you make energy-saving renovations to your home. An important part of the grant process is selecting an energy advisor who will perform a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation of your home.

An energy advisor can help you determine which renovations will qualify for the Canada Greener Home Grant and assist you with the application process. They are trained professionals who understand how to perform the pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation, which measures your home’s energy efficiency. In addition, they can provide you with a report that outlines recommended renovations and can also help you with the paperwork required to apply for the grant.

On top of that, the energy advisor is registered with Natural Resources Canada and is a representative of the service organization you select when you apply through the Canada Greener Homes Grant portal.

Final Thoughts

The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a government initiative designed to promote the adoption of energy-saving home retrofits to lower greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable future for Canada.

Furthermore, this grant program is designed to help you cut costs on your energy bills by renovating your home to improve its energy efficiency. Simply put, the more energy-efficient your home is, the less you will spend on your energy bill.  If you’re considering making energy-saving renovations to your home, check the eligibility requirements and application process to take advantage of this great opportunity.