LATEST
NEWS

A well-informed membership makes the co-op housing movement stronger. Keep up-to-date on the latest CHF BC, and co-op housing related, goings-on by reading our latest news below. To get this news—and more— delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletters.

  1 November 2023   

Housing Co-op Energy Benchmarking Support Program

The Energy Star Portfolio Manager Support Program offers incentives to co-ops that create an Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM) account and share their data with our organizations. It is a partnership of CHF BC and Vancity.

Co-ops who are Vancity members. could access up to $500.

  18 October 2023   

What You Need to Know About Mini-split Heating & Cooling Systems

Mini-split heating and cooling systems are a reliable and energy-efficient solution. They can enhance comfort and air quality while reducing energy costs and providing flexibility in how you heat and cool your co-op’s homes.

Also known as ductless mini-split systems, they are a popular option for residential and business heating and cooling needs.

  28 July 2023   

Expanded Benchmarking: Better than Free!

CHF BC’s free energy benchmarking program is up and running. And now, for most member co-ops, there’s a direct financial benefit to participation.

CHF BC has always been able to assist setting up accounts without charge, but Vancity has partnered with us to allow grants to be distributed for participation. If your non-profit housing co-op is a Vancity member, it may be eligible for up to $500.

  18 July 2023   

Co-operation among Co-operatives: Energy Efficiency and More!

CHF BC and CHF Canada embrace the internationally recognized co-op principles: democratic member control, education and training, and autonomy are all vital, but Principle #6, co-operation among co-operatives, is one we like to highlight.

Recently, staff members from CHF BC’s Planning and Renewal team had a chance to meet with our counterparts at the national federation, including the Regional Energy Coach, when they were visiting Vancouver.

  26 June 2023   

CMHC Support for Deep Energy Retrofits

CMHC recently announced the  Canada Greener Affordable Housing program (CGAH). The program focuses on supporting deep energy retrofits for existing multi-unit residential buildings. The goal is to see buildings achieve near net zero emissions.

As with all CMHC programs, there are multiple eligibility criteria, but the most critical are the very ambitious targets for energy consumption reductions and emissions.

  12 December 2022   

Vancouver Zero Emissions Building Program Launching Soon

As part of its Climate Emergency Action Plan, the City of Vancouver will assisting residents in multi-family buildings, with programs to aid with access to retrofits that support emission reductions.

  12 September 2022   

Benchmarking for Environmental Sustainability

We’re pleased to announce a new service to help CHF BC members measure and track energy use.

"Benchmarking" may not sound that exciting, but it’s definitely something we’re thinking about and excited to promote. It fits well with our shared concern for environmental sustainability.

  3 December 2021   

CHF BC welcomes new staff to our team

CHF BC would like to announce two recent additions to our staff team: Saurabh Parnami and Yuri Artibise. We looking forward to working with them as they contribute to our work in representing and serving our members. Saurabh Parnami – Asset Management Program Analyst Saurabh is an outcome-driven professional with both creative and analytical capabilities. … Continued

  17 October 2018   

Preservation Funding Helps Your Co-op Get Planning

Good news for co-ops with active, federally-administered operating agreements! Co-ops with a Section 95, ILM or Section 61 agreement are eligible to apply to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for funding to “help complete activities that will allow them to transition to a more viable and sustainable model.” This means there’s money available to … Continued

  20 February 2017   

CHMC Reno/Retro Grant Update

The announcement last year of CMHC’s Reno/Retro grant program attracted a lot of attention among housing co-operatives in BC and across the country. More than forty co-ops in BC made…

  14 February 2017   

Discover Energy Savings Challenge

Our Housing Central partner, BC Non-Profit Housing Association, is running a Discover Energy Savings Challenge. All non-profit housing providers and co-ops are eligible to participate.Do you plan to:

  3 July 2016   

New R

New Funds for Building ProjectsCMHC has announced a new renovation and retrofit program, “Reno/Retro 2016 For Existing Social Housing Administered by CMHC”. Potentially eligible co-ops…