The Government of Canada is currently accepting applications for the Energy Efficient Buildings Research, Development and Demonstration Program.

Projects under this Program will accelerate the deployment of very high efficiency homes and buildings in Canada in order to support the development and adoption of the model national net-zero energy ready building codes by 2030 and the energy code requirements for existing buildings by 2025. Projects under this Program should target driving down the cost and creating market confidence in net-zero energy ready construction, as well as undertaking deep energy retrofits.

The Energy Efficient Buildings Program is expected to contribute to:

• Supporting the energy efficient building strategy that aims at reducing GHG emissions by 5.6 megatonnes (Mt) annually relative to 2005 levels by 2030, with significant additional potential once technologies and practices are replicated and codes are adopted nationally;
• Providing all jurisdictions in Canada with the evidence, knowledge or foundational tools needed to ensure that all new buildings constructed beyond 2030 are net-zero energy ready;
• Providing federal, provincial and territorial governments with information that can support development and adoption of new building codes;
• Providing financial support to RD&D projects and initiatives across Canada to support GHG reductions in the built environment;
• Promoting greater market penetration of key technologies resulting in improved affordability; and
• Leveraging Canada’s investment by at least 1:1 through demonstrations.

Outcomes

Expected outcomes of the selected projects include:

• Demonstration of a cost-effective deep energy retrofit solution for Nunavut, targeting 50% reduction in energy consumption.
• 3 demonstrations of new Net-Zero Ready buildings, supporting codes development and building market confidence.
• Demonstration of an innovative, cost-effective retrofit approach for social housing.
• BC-led demonstration program showcasing building performance at the highest level of the BC Energy Step Code.
• FEED study identifying the best approach to a zero carbon community energy system.
• Software tools to investigate pathways to achieving Net-Zero Energy Ready building designs, and to provide actionable information to reduce building energy consumption.

Eligibility Criteria

• Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada, including:
  • For profit and not for profit organizations such as electricity and gas utilities, companies, industry associations, research associations, and standards organizations;
  • Indigenous organizations and groups;
  • Community groups; and
  • Canadian academic institutions.
• Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies where applicable.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.