Application Intake Status: Closed
New Service Organization applications are not being accepted at this time.
What is a Service Organization?
A service organization is an independent organization licensed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to use NRCan’s official marks, software and to deliver NRCan’s home labelling initiatives such as the EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) and ENERGY STAR® for New Homes (ESNH).
Service organizations work with builders, energy advisors and homeowners across Canada to assess the energy performance and potential energy savings for homes during the design, construction and renovation stages. Service organizations may also work with provinces, territories, municipalities, utility companies, and other organizations as part of their own home energy efficiency labelling and/or retrofit incentive programming.
While service organizations and energy advisors use NRCan’s official marks and software as well as deliver NRCan’s home labelling initiatives under a licencing agreement, they operate as independent businesses, and are not agents, partners, or employees of NRCan.
At all times, service organizations are required to operate their businesses by adhering to the most current versions of the ERS and ESNH Administrative Procedures and other procedural documents outlined in their licence agreement with NRCan.
What is the EnerGuide Rating System and the ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative?
The EnerGuide Rating System is a home energy performance rating tool used as part of an on-site home assessment. It estimates the energy use of a house, and provides consumers with information to support new home purchases and energy efficient renovations.
The ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative was introduced in Canada in 2005. It is a voluntary labelling initiative certifying the construction of energy-efficient homes to the ESNH building Standard. An ENERGY STAR certified home is a home that has been built by a licensed ESNH builder who incorporated energy-efficient features into the home and met the specifications in the ESNH Standard. ENERGY STAR certified homes are approximately 20% more energy efficient than those built to the provincial or national building code. The increased efficiency of these homes translates into reduced energy costs for homeowners, reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Important notice – intake for new Service Organization applications
Thank you for your interest in the Service Organization application process.
Please note that NRCan is not currently accepting new Service Organization applications for both the EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) and ENERGY STAR® for New Homes (ESNH) initiatives. At this moment, there is no timeline available to determine when new applications will be accepted for review.
However, Service Organizations that are already licensed to deliver ERS may continue to request authorization to also deliver ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, as an ERS licence is a prerequisite for delivering ENERGY STAR®.
If you are seeking to become a new Service organization, your name can be added to the list of interested applicants who will receive a notification once the process reopens. Please note being added to the notification list does not guarantee future eligibility or approval.
There are currently sufficient licensed Service Organizations within the network to meet market demand. Interested individuals or organizations are encouraged to reach out to existing Service Organizations to explore potential business opportunities and support options. The Service Organizations operating in your community can be found on our website.
What can I do now?
Steps to take while intake is closed:
- Review existing eligibility requirements below for context
- Connect with an existing licensed Service Organization for partnership or employment opportunities
- Join the notification list to be informed when applications reopen
FAQ
Why is NRCan not accepting new Service Organization applications?
The Service Organization application process is currently under review to ensure program integrity and alignment with market needs.
When will applications reopen?
There is no timeline available at this time. Updates will be communicated through this webpage once the process reopens, and an email will be sent to anyone who has expressed interest in the process in the past.
Can I apply if I meet all eligibility requirements?
No. Even if eligibility requirements are met, applications cannot be submitted while intake is closed.
How do I find an existing Service Organization?
Interested individuals or organizations are encouraged to contact existing licensed Service Organizations to explore potential opportunities. You can find a complete list of service organizations that are servicing your area by visiting the website and entering the first three digits of your postal code.
Renewing an existing Service Organization license
Licensed Service Organizations can continue to renew their licenses. If you are an existing Service Organization and have questions related to:
- License renewal
- Ongoing compliance requirements
- Administrative processes
Please contact NRCan:
housingprogramsacctmgmt-gestcompteprogrammesdelogement@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Service Organization licence maintenance and renewal requirements
To maintain and/or renew its Service Organization licence under the current licensing framework, an organization must:
- Be incorporated or registered in Canada
- Show proof of minimum $2 million in liability insurance
- Have at least 2 years of experience and knowledge in energy efficiency and building science in the residential housing sector
- Employ key personnel such as Service Organization Manager(s), Quality Assurance Specialist(s), and Energy Advisor(s) who have successfully passed the applicable NRCan exams:
| Foundation Level Exam | EnerGuide Rating System Energy Advisor Exam (House) | EnerGuide Rating System Quality Assurance Specialist Exam (House) | EnerGuide Rating System Service Organization Manager Exam | ENERGY STAR for New Homes v17.1 GJ – Energy Advisor exam | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service organization manager (ERS) | x | ||||
| Quality assurance specialist (ERS) | x | x | x | ||
| Energy advisor (ERS) | x | x | |||
| Energy advisor (ESNH) | x | x | x | ||
| Quality assurance specialist (ESNH) | x | x | x | x |
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- Organizations requesting an ENERGY STAR for New Homes license must already hold an active EnerGuide Rating System license and employ the required qualified personnel.
- One individual can serve in more than one role; however, Quality Assurance Specialists cannot review their own Energy Advisor files.
Disclaimer
NRCan does not endorse specific products or services and does not assume responsibility for homeowners’ losses.
For any questions, please email: housingprogramsacctmgmt-gestcompteprogrammesdelogement@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca