Energy Incentives
What funding is available?
We know that every dollar counts when you’re building a high-performance building. So we’ve prepared this document* that summarizes incentives supporting projects that are:
Part 3 energy efficient buildings,
New construction and/or major renovation,
Based on energy modelling, and
(Generally) in British Columbia.
The information is current as of September 2020 and is not a complete summary of all program requirements; full details should be obtained from the program providers at the links we’ve included.
*Download a pdf version of this summary here.
How can we help?
Focal is qualified for and familiar with delivering energy services to support all of these programs. If any of these incentive or funding programs sound like a fit for your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss how we might be able to assist you.
Commercial New Construction Program
Available Incentive
Energy Study incentive up to $15,000
Capital incentive up to $500,000
Based on lifetime CO2e reduced relative to a baseline
Range from $30/t to $120/t CO2e
Eligibility
BC Hydro service territory (including New Westminster)
Achieve min. 400t CO2e in lifetime GHG savings
New construction or major renovation
Involve technology that provides net electrical load growth
Apply at the end of concept design stage
Meet program timing requirements
Full program information here
Custom Lite Program
Available Incentive
Energy Study incentive up to 50% of cost, max. $2,000
Capital incentive up to $48,000 ($72,000 for heat pump projects)
Based on lifetime CO2e reduced
Rate of $40/t CO2e ($60/t CO2e for heat pump projects)
Eligibility
Use equipment on approved Custom Incentive Measures list
Full program information here
Commercial New Construction Program
Available Incentives
Energy Study rebate is 50% of cost up to $15,000
Airtightness rebate is 75% of test cost up to $5,000 each for mid- and post-construction tests
Capital rebate based on:
Path 1, Step code projects: $1.00, $1.60 or $2.20 per ft2 for Step 2/3/4+ projects
Path 2, Non-step code projects: $1.00, $1.60 or $2.20 per ft2 for 10%+, 20%+ or 30%+ savings over a baseline
Eligibility
FortisBC service territory (including Grand Forks, Penticton, Summerland and Nelson Hydro)
Part 3 building at least 50,000 ft2
Apply during pre-construction phase
Full program information here
Co-Investment Fund: New Construction
Available Funding
Note: National funding programs are available beyond BC
Long term, low-interest loans to eligible borrowers
Eligibility
Must have support from a level of government
Meet organization and project requirements
Meet financial viability and social outcomes requirements
Energy model demonstrating at least 25% energy and GHG savings over NECB or 15% savings over NECB 2017
Full program information here
Rental Construction Financing
Available Funding
Low-cost loans to eligible borrowers
Eligibility
At least 5 rental units, responding to rental supply need
Meet financial viability and social outcomes requirements
Energy model demonstrating at least 15% energy and GHG savings over NECB 2015
Full program information here.