Business Sustainability Programs and Incentives

Building Energy Efficiency Programs

Fleet Electrification Programs

Sustainable Business Programs

Why electrify your business?

For vehicles and buildings alike, switching from a fossil fuel such as gasoline, diesel or natural gas to electricity can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 99%, thanks to BC’s low-carbon hydroelectricity supply. While the benefits of electric vehicles are more widely known, electric heat pumps for space and water heating in our buildings are similarly beneficial for our climate.

The high efficiency of electric heat pumps (generally about 300%) means that the operating costs can be comparable to natural gas. Heat pumps also offer air conditioning and air filtration in the summertime – an attractive benefit as our summers become hotter and we experience more forest fires with climate change.

In addition to the climate-friendly programs listed below, there are a variety of programs to help improve your business’ energy efficiency offered by both BC Hydro and FortisBC.  These include incentives for energy assessments, making energy-efficient upgrades, efficient equipment or even employee awareness.

You can find more information on business incentives here: CleanBC's BetterBuildings, FortisBC and BC Hydro.

Building Programs

CleanBC Commercial Programs

Three fuel switching and electrification programs are available to commercial customers, including multi-family residential buildings:

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.

Saanich Climate Action Tax Exemption

BOMA BC's Decarb Accelerator Program

Join the Decarb Accelerator Program to receive hands-on support from BOMA in developing a customized decarbonization plan for your building.

This three-year program assists building owners and managers in identifying and reducing GHG emissions and overall building efficiencies. BOMA’s objective is to help buildings lower their carbon emissions to comply with existing reporting regulations within the City of Vancouver and impending reporting and emissions limits elsewhere within the Province of BC.

Every building participating in the program will receive a dedicated Decarb Program Manager/Engineer that will work one-on-one with your team to assess and determine what unique support or resources your property and team might need to assist in reducing your energy and carbon emissions.

At a minimum, every building will receive:

  • A decarbonization plan detailing their building-specific retrofit opportunities along with suitable replacement equipment alternatives.
  • Buildings who are deemed ‘retrofit ready’* will also receive a full ASHRAE L2 energy audit performed by a pre-qualified engineering consulting firm.

There are limited spots available, so learn more and apply now at: BOMA - Climate Action - Decarb Accelerator Program

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. 

Building Benchmark BC

A free program that helps you monitor the energy and GHG data from your buildings and enables you to compare their 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

Greater Victoria 2030 District

Are you ready to take action on climate change and reduce your building’s energy use and GHG emissions by 50% by 2030? Join the Greater Victoria 2030 District, hosted by the Building Owners and Managers Association of BC (BOMA) and get access to:

  • Special offers and purchasing pools to reduce energy costs and GHG emissions, and improve resiliency
  • Support via a peer network and government and utility representatives and energy experts
  • Market advantage by attracting and retaining leading edge tenants and the opportunity to promote your environmental achievements

Contact Cora at corahallsworth[at]2030districts.org or visit 2030districts.org/greater-victoria to see who is participating and learn more.

Fleet Programs

CleanBC Go Electric Fleets Program 

This program is open to B.C. registered companies, non-profit organizations and public entities and provides funding, training, and other support for deploying zero emission fleets.

Visit pluginbc.ca for details (terms apply).

Federal Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program

Includes for funding for workplaces and light duty fleets. Provides 50% of costs up to specific maximums by project type for Level 2, Fast Chargers, and hydrogen refuelling stations (terms apply). Specified intakes per year, program available until 2024. More information.

Sustainable Business Programs

Circular Economy Accelerator Program 

The District of Saanich has partnered with the Synergy Foundation to launch a circular economy accelerator program. The program is run by Project Zero and is designed to provide hands-on support for businesses to help them become more circular; i.e., to help them develop sustainability practices and reduce operating costs, waste, and emissions.
The program is being run across the island and Sunshine Coast. Businesses in Victoria, Nanaimo, and other communities are already participating. Of the 6 companies that have already completed the program this year, they have the potential to cumulatively:

  • Divert 90,000 kg of waste
  • Save 652,300 kWh of energy
  • Reduce fuel consumption by 58,700 L
  • Reduce emissions by 196 tCO2e
  • Save $136,400/year

There are 14 spots available for Saanich businesses and the program is largely funded by the federal and local governments (including the District of Saanich). This allows businesses to sign up at a 90% discount (businesses pay $500 to participate). Participation in the program takes about 5hrs of a business’ time to complete – Synergy and Project Zero will do the rest. You can apply and learn more about the program at Circular Economy Accelerator | Project Zero (project-zero.ca).

One Planet Saanich

One Planet Saanich engages schools, businesses and community groups to create their own One Planet Action Plans. Learn more.