In our previous blog, we walked you through our recent green retrofit renovation project in Whistler, B.C. In our more than thirty years of experience in the building industry, budgeting often (understandably) trumps sustainability concerns. This prioritization is often underpinned by a lack of awareness of available green building resources, such as government-funded incentive rebate schemes and programs.
Because sustainability means a lot to us, we decided to share a list with you, courtesy of Senior Energy Specialist Karine Le Du at the District of Squamish and Sea to Sky CHBA.
It’s important to remember that applying for the rebates is something the home owners have to do themselves. It is a process can be cumbersome and therefore time consuming. We highly recommend that you reach out to a certified energy advisor to assist you in the process. Energy advisors typically ask a fee for these services. In our experience, the expense is always worth it.
Incentive programs for home renos in B.C.
Clean BC Better Homes:
The CleanBC Better Homes website will help you find provincial rebate programs suitable to what you are looking for. You can use the rebates quick reference chart to see just how much you can save. Answer a few questions using the rebate search tool to find rebates specific to your home energy project.
rebate resources for contractors and trades:
The CleanBC contractor support page will guide you towards trade specific rebate and financing information, common FAQs, qualifying product lists, forms, checklists and sample invoices.
Qualified Products lists
You can find eligible rebates and qualifying product lists (eg. heat pumps, natural gas furnaces and boilers, water heating etc.) for each type of rebate at the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs website.
Heating system upgrades
FortisBC rebate programs for heating system upgrades (access links to qualifying product lists on these websites): Gas furnace rebates - Gas boiler and combination heating and hot water system rebates - Gas water heater rebates.
Income qualified rebate programs
Unsure about the costs of your remodel? Go to the CleanBC Income Qualified Program page to see what the income qualification requirements qualify you for a rebate program. You should also check out the CleanBC Better Homes Low-Interest Financing Program for upgrade loan options. Many local governments are now also offering municipal top-ups to support green upgrades.
Last but not least, the free CleanBC Energy Coach service is an invaluable source of guidance and information for both homeowners and contractors.
ask@betterhomesbc.ca
1-844-881-9790
Another great resource for homeowners and contractors in Whistler and Squamish is Retrofit Assist. Retrofit Assist is a concierge service that offers free and knowledgeable support for navigating rebate programs and your home retrofit journey from start to finish.
For more resources relevant for British Columbia (for commercial + indigenous building), check out this comprehensive list compiled by Natural Resources Canada. For the rest of the provinces, see the Built Green Canada directory.
Pro-tip: Always apply early for grant schemes as governing bodies can become overwhelmed with applications and often tend to run out of resources well before the end of the year.
Have more questions about the green retrofit? Get in touch!