In our final issue, learn about retrofit rebate programs and more. To receive sustainability related content in the future, make sure to subscribe to the general CHF BC newsletter.

Social Housing Energy Savings Program

Is your co-op interested in pursuing energy efficiency measures? BC Hydro’s Social Housing Energy Savings Program can help non-profit housing co-ops access energy saving assessments and rebates for heat pumps, windows, water heating, and more.

The program is open to non-profit housing co-ops within the BC Hydro service territory (or New Westminster) that operate a multi-unit residential building (e.g. apartment, row homes). Learn more here.

Energy Saving Rebates for Equity Co-ops

Live in an equity co-op and looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home? See if CleanBC’s Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate is right for you! The Energy Savings Program can cover up to $5,000 for an electric heat pump and $3,500 for a heat pump water heater for income qualifying households.

If your household income exceeds that for the CleanBC program, you may be eligible for BC Hydro’s Condo and Apartment Rebate Program.

Equity co-ops can also access rebates and supports for whole-building retrofits through the Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program. The program offers funding for studies and building upgrades like heat pumps, windows, lighting, and more.

Tips for Vancouver Annual Energy Reporting

For co-ops with buildings over 100,000 square feet in size, 2025 was the first reporting year under the City’s Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-law. Next year, the By-law will apply to multi-family buildings over 50,000 square feet. Need to report? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Green Municipal Fund Update

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities launched the Green Municipal Fund for Sustainable Affordable Housing initiative in 2020, with the goal of distributing $300 million over six years to support energy efficient housing.

Demand has been strong, and funding for certain streams is now closed. Applications for study grants are set to reopen around spring 2026. We encourage interested co-ops to check regularly for updates on the Sustainable Affordable Housing program.

Potential Changes to ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR, established in 1992, is an energy efficiency program administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Over the years, the ENERGY STAR symbol has become a trusted mark for high efficiency products and more. Here in Canada, we also benefit from the program – maybe you’ve seen or bought an appliance with the recognizable blue and white logo, or even use the online Portfolio Manager tool to track energy usage in your co-op.

In recent months, you may have heard that the ENERGY STAR program could be coming to an end due to funding cuts by the current US administration. While nothing has yet been confirmed, this would likely have impacts for all ENERGY STAR programs.

What can you do? Write your local representative to express support for ENERGY STAR having a continued presence in Canada – or a “made in Canada” alternative. If you use Portfolio Manager, make sure to download your energy data.