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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.

During Co-op Week 2023, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) hosted an online a panel discussion entitled “How can co-operatives overcome barriers to climate action?”

This online panel brought together co-ops of various sizes from different sectors. Each face unique challenges specific to their industry, but also holds similar opportunities for leveraging larger networks of support for sharing knowledge and resources.

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.

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.

This year, co-op members in Canada will have two events to celebrate or acknowledge on July 1st. In addition to being Canada Day, this year it is also the 101st International Day of Cooperatives!

"#CoopsDay" is an annual opportunity for local, national, and worldwide governments, civil society organizations, and the general public to learn more about cooperatives.

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.

The first resolution members will be voting on at the 2023 CHF Canada national business meeting promotes co-op action towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Co-op 2030 Vision.

As a co-op member, you have a say. Encourage your co-op delegate to review the 2023 Resolutions package on the CHF Canada Annual Meeting event site, and be ready to vote June 17.

On June 1, 2023, CMHC launched a new time-limited program to support deep energy retrofits (i.e. ≥70% reduction in energy consumption and ≥80% in greenhouse gas emissions).

The Canada Greener Affordable Housing program helps affordable housing providers—including housing co-operative— complete deep energy retrofits on existing multi-unit residential buildings.

Earth Day Inspiration This Earth Day, we invite CHF BC members to get inspired by Granville Gardens Housing Co-operative in Richmond B.C. They were the recipients of CHF BC’s 40th anniversary Sustainability Grant in 2022. With the help of the Sustainability Grant, Granville Gardens installed a heat pump in its community hall, along with an outdoor cooling … Continued

Granville Gardens Housing Co-operative in Richmond was selected as the recipient of our 2022 grant.

With the help of the Sustainability Grant, the co-op installed a heat pump in its community hall, along with a mist station and shading to create an outdoor cooling area. Co-op members were able to make use of the spaces during its summer BBQ and throughout the warm months.

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.

We’re looking for people who are keen to get involved and passionate about housing co-ops. Applicants must be from CHF BC member organizations.