In 2024, the idea of embarking on an energy-efficient construction or renovation project in Quebec can seem financially daunting. High initial costs often dissuade homeowners from opting for greener solutions. Fortunately, many government subsidies are available to ease the financial burden.
Aware that many people, like you, struggle to find their way through the various possibilities, I've compiled this guide in the course of my research. It brings together all the financial assistance currently available to give you a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of the opportunities for making sustainable living economically accessible. Whether you're building a new home or modernizing an existing one, understanding these opportunities can turn your green project into a tangible reality.
Grants for energy-efficient residential construction
Single-family Home
A single-family home is a dwelling housing a single household. It can be detached, semi-detached or row house.
New construction
Retrofit
Financing options
Small Multi-unit Building
A small multi-unit building must have a minimum of 2 units, be 3 stories or less in height and have a building area of less than 600m2.
New construction (or major retrofit)
Retrofit
Financing options
Large Multi-unit Building
A large multi-unit building has more than 3 floors and/or a building area greater than 600m2. For some grants, the number of floors or units is limited. Refer to the guides to validate the eligibility of your project.
New construction (or major retrofit)
Conclusion
As we have seen, a multitude of subsidies are available to support energy-efficient construction and renovation projects. While some are more important than others, they all share a common goal: to make sustainable housing more accessible and affordable.
We haven't explored them here, but several Quebec municipalities also offer property tax credits for LEED and Novoclimat certified homes. These are interesting programs that would benefit from being extended to all Quebec municipalities!
And why not add other ecological and energy-efficient certifications such as Passivhaus, Zero Carbon, Net Zero and Living Building Challenge to the list?
Don't forget that investing in energy efficiency is not only good for your wallet, but also contributes to a healthier environment.
For those of you ready to begin an energy-efficient construction or renovation project, I encourage you to consult the links provided in this article to deepen your understanding of the programs available. This will enable you to optimize your investments and maximize the financial benefits offered.
About the author:
Kim Cloutier is an experienced architect with a career marked by projects focused on simplicity and sustainability. She is a certified Passive House Designer and LEED Green Associate, demonstrating her commitment to high standards of energy performance and environmental sustainability. Kim aspires to promote healthier living through her projects, with a focus on creating healthy, sustainable environments.