The following programs are currently available for multi-family buildings:
EV Ready Rebates
The CleanBC EV Charger Rebate Program is offering rebates to help buildings become EV ready, including:
- Rebates of 50% for the installation of Level 2 EV charging stations in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and workplaces.
- Rebates for EV Ready plans and electrical upgrades to support access to charging for all units in MURBs.
- Advisor and consultation services for MURBs via Plug-In BC.
Learn more and find application procedures for multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and workplaces.
Free Portable Air Conditioners (Income-Qualified)
The Government of B.C. is providing $10 million in funding to expand the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) to include portable air conditioners to support vulnerable customers. Income-qualified customers in all housing types, including condos and apartments, can apply online now.
Saanich Climate Action Tax Exemption Program
Saanich’s Climate Action Tax Exemption (CATE) Program offers a municipal tax exemption for capital projects that involve fuel switching in commercial and multi-unit residential (rental apartment and condominium strata) buildings.
Properties can receive an exemption valued at between 50-100% of project costs after accounting for other rebates, with a maximum term of 10 years for residential buildings and 3 years for commercial buildings.
The program is now open and accepting applications. Learn more and apply.
Rental Apartment Retrofit Accelerator (RARA) Pilot Program
The District of Saanich launched the Climate Action Tax Exemption (CATE) program that supports electrification retrofits in rental buildings.
In tandem, the District has partner with Landlord BC and BC hydro to expand the RARA Porgram. Under the program, Landlord BC supports rental building owners through the planning and application process to receive tax exemptions for eligible project costs.
Learn more and apply at LandlordBC.ca/RARA.
CleanBC Commercial Programs
Three fuel switching and electrification programs are available to multi-family buildings, under the suite of BC’s commercial programs:
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CleanBC Custom, up to $20,000 for an energy study and $200,000 for capital projects,
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CleanBC Custom-Lite, up to $2,000 for an energy study and $72,000 for capital projects, and
- CleanBC Commercial Express, up to $100,000, no energy study required.
Free energy coach services to help guide you through the application and upgrade process. Terms and conditions apply. To get started, contact smallbuildings@betterbuildingsbc.ca or visit www.betterbuildingsbc.ca.
Province of BC Clean Buildings Tax Credit
Many types of buildings including multi-unit residential buildings, retail, offices, schools, and more can access this tax credit for reducing energy use intensity. Learn more.
Social and Non-Profit Housing
Funding available for social and affordable housing providers include the following:
- CleanBC Social Housing Incentives, offers energy study funding, project implementation support and GHG reduction incentives
- The Sustainable Affordable Housing Program, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provides funding to retrofit existing affordable housing units, including planning, studies, pilots and capital costs.
Building Benchmark BC
A free program that helps you monitor the energy and GHG data from your building and enables you to compare its performance against similar properties. By signing up you can:
- Receive support and training in setting up and using Energy Star Portfolio Manager, Canada’s free online energy management software
- Get insights on your building’s energy and GHG performance and help in identifying ways to reduce energy and costs
- Demonstrate leadership and choose to publicly disclose your building’s performance
- Earn recognition for your participation, no matter what your performance is
Learn more or sign up today: buildingbenchmarkbc.ca
Learn more about climate-friendly homes, including where to start for retrofits in multi-family buildings.