Toward net-zero homes and communities
Path 1 Applicants. Recipients have been selected and agreements are currently being negotiated. A list of successful projects will be published as soon as possible.
Path 2 Applicants. Program continues to accept applications from Métis and Inuit communities and organizations. Funds designated for these groups are exclusively available in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 fiscal years. Only 1-year projects can be funded.
Intake for projects from First Nations communities and organizations is closed, as the funding allotment is fully subscribed.
We are looking to fund innovative Projects to support creative energy efficiency initiatives for the Canadian residential sector. Through this new Project funding, you can support our push toward net-zero emissions in the residential sector by 2050 by helping households and communities increase residential energy efficiency, transition away from fossil fuels, push Canada’s efforts to reduce residential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and contribute to Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Plan.
A unique opportunity
The Toward Net-Zero Homes and Communities program will provide funding to:
- Support the implementation of original and creative tools and methods to pursue net-zero residential building emissions by 2050
- Support initiatives to empower all residents, including professionals and other levels of government, to contribute to Canada’s transition to net-zero residential building emissions by 2050
- Support Indigenous, rural and remote, and under-resourced communities in their efforts to reduce residential GHG emissions
Am I eligible?
Funding is open to:
- legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada (including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations)
- governmental organizations (excluding the Federal government)
- Indigenous communities or governments
- other organizations and community and environmental groups
Information for applicants
- Path 1 for All Eligible Applicants closed on September 21, 2022.
- Applications are no longer being accepted through this path.
- Up to 75% of the total annual program budget is reserved for this path.
- Path 2 for Indigenous organizations opened on October 5, 2022.
- Applications for 1-year projects from Inuit and Métis groups are still being accepted through this path.
- Groups may submit their applications anytime.
- Applications will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis.
- At least 25% of the program’s total annual budget is reserved for this path, including a minimum of 10% of the total annual program budget for First Nations organizations, a minimum of 10% of the total annual program budget for Inuit organizations, and a minimum of 5% of the total annual program budget for Métis organizations.
Explore the Project streams
Eligible activities must contribute to the improved energy efficiency of homes and increased understanding of the housing sector or energy-using products that affect energy consumption.
To be eligible for funding, the Project proposal must by submitted through one of the following categories:
1. Addressing barriers to adoption of energy-efficient technologies
This stream will support original and creative Projects to overcome barriers in the production, marketing and accessibility of technologies that eliminate residential GHG emissions. This may include, but is not limited to, advanced envelop materials, assemblies and best practices, or electric heating and cooling equipment.
2. Capacity building in support of net-zero energy ready codes
This stream will support capacity building Projects that facilitate the adoption and implementation of the National Building Code (NBC) 2020 and the National Energy Code for Buildings (NEBC) 2020, lay the groundwork for adopting upper code tiers, and share knowledge to encourage consistent national interpretation.
3. Facilitating home energy labelling and disclosure to encourage deep energy retrofits
This stream will support Projects that facilitate the labelling of homes and use innovative labelling and disclosure tools and methods to improve the energy efficiency of homes and decrease residential GHG emissions.
Submit your Project proposal
Your Project proposal must include:
- your completed Application Form
- proof of eligibility
- letters of support from partners, community leadership or appropriate authorities
- if applicable, supporting documentation such as blueprints, technical specifications for equipment, photos, etc.
Service standards
- All applicants will receive written acknowledgement of the receipt of their proposal within 5 business days of the application deadline date.
- Recipients will be selected within 80 business days of the application deadline.
- Once Recipients are selected, all Applicants will receive a decision along with justifications.
- Applications will remain on file. Proposals that did not receive funding may be accepted later if funding becomes available.
- Recipients will be assigned to a representative of HCD to negotiate and sign their Contribution Agreement within 30 business days.
- All payments will be administered according to the details of the Contribution Agreement.
- Advance payments may be allowed where requested by the Recipient and based on an assessment of their need, risk levels and cash flow requirements.
Contact us
If you have questions about which stream your Project is best suited to, or have any other inquiries, please contact the Housing and Communities Division
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