A number of programs for improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings have been funded or sponsored by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Examples include the following:

1. NRCan: CanmetENERGY

    

   NRCan's CanmetENERGY is a research and technology organization in the field of clean energy. The CanmetENERGY location based in Ottawa, Ontario conducts R&D on a wide array of clean energy technologies and focuses on building energy systems, pathways to carbon-neutral housing and buildings, and low-carbon community energy systems. CanmetENERGY's Varennes, Quebec location leads innovative scientific research and activities for the industry, buildings and renewable energy sectors to help identify and develop suitable pathways to reduce the Canadian commercial and institutional buildings sector's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

    

2. City of Toronto: Energy Retrofit Loans

    

   The Energy Retrofit Loans program offers financing to invest in low-carbon, energy-efficient capital improvements. It is open to all buildings located in Toronto, including among others, commercial buildings, schools, social housing and hospitals. Loans can cover up to 100% of project costs at a rate equal to the City of Toronto's borrowing cost, with a potential repayment term of up to 30 years for qualifying projects.

    

3. Province of British Columbia: BC Hydro Business Energy Saving Incentives

    

   The BC Hydro Business Energy Savings Incentives program helps businesses located in the province of British Columbia reduce their operating costs through the implementation of energy efficiency projects, including lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration, by offering incentives that can help cover up to 25% of the cost of the project.

    

4. Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA): Business Improvements Program

    

   The AEA provides rebates of up to CAD 50,000 for certain energy upgrades for commercial and institutional businesses looking to reduce their consumption of electricity, heating, fuel and water. This could include projects, such as upgrades to lighting, improvements to ventilations systems, upgrades to hot-water systems, etc. The eligible rebate amount will be the lower of 50% of the total eligible costs of the project, and a calculation based on the amount of money and greenhouse gases that the project will save.

Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation

The Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) is an industry-government partnership, sponsored by NRCan, that promotes and encourages energy efficiency improvements and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through voluntary action across Canada's industrial sectors. CIPEC is made up of 21 sector task forces that involve more than 50 trade associations.

Energy Innovation Program

The Energy Innovation Program, sponsored by NRCan, advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada meet its climate change targets, while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. It funds research, development and demonstration projects, and other related scientific activities.

Provincial, municipal and utility incentives

There are also several provincial, municipal and utility incentive programs to promote green buildings and energy efficiency.

1. The City of Toronto's Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) was developed in 1996 to help building owners, managers and developers to achieve energy efficiency goals in Toronto. The Home Energy Loan Program is one of several BBP programs, which helps Toronto homeowners get a low-interest loan of up to CAD 125,000 to cover the cost of a broad range of home energy improvements. The BBP also provides financing options to support conservation and demand management projects in the City of Toronto.
2. The Ontario Power Authority's Electrical Retrofit Incentive Program offers incentives for owners and managers of commercial buildings, institutional buildings, industrial facilities, agribusinesses and multiresidential buildings. Incentives are available for replacing inefficient equipment with high-efficiency equipment.
3. Enbridge Gas Distribution, Canada's largest gas distribution utility, offers retrofit incentive programs for owners of commercial properties. Homeowners that implement approved energy-saving measures are eligible for a one-time rebate of CAD 0.25 per cubic meter for natural gas saved up to 50% of project upgrade costs. The maximum rebate per project is CAD 100,000.