84 Organizations Call for Continued Funding of Greener Homes Loan Program
We are writing to you as organizations and businesses within Canada’s energy efficiency sector to urgently highlight the risks facing the $40,000 interest-free loan program under the Greener Homes initiative. While the 2024 Fall Economic Statement included a $600 million top-up to extend the program, Parliament’s prorogation disrupted its passage, putting the future of this critical program at risk. With loan approvals already nearing 100,000, there are growing concerns that without additional funding, the program could face an abrupt pause or cancellation.
The $40,000 interest-free loan program has been instrumental in enabling Canadians to undertake energy-efficient home retrofits. A lack of additional funds could significantly disrupt Canadians, the people and businesses that provide energy efficiency services, and other energy efficiency programs that have been re-designed to complement the loan.
We have experienced this before when the Greener Homes Grant program was abruptly cancelled. At the time, your government heralded the loan program as the primary policy to ensure middle-class Canadians can benefit from energy efficiency.
As the Minister responsible for the loan program, we urge you to take immediate action to ensure continued funding. Avoiding an unnecessary pause or cancellation will provide much-needed stability for homeowners and businesses while supporting affordability and maintaining momentum toward Canada’s climate goals.
Industry Leaders Call on Government to Address U.S. Tariff Impacts on HVAC and Construction
Canada’s HVAC, plumbing, and construction sectors have raised concerns over the U.S. import tariffs that took effect on February 1, urging the federal government to exempt essential construction and HVAC products from these measures. HRAI, CIPH, and MCAC have warned that the tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase housing costs, and slow economic growth.
Industry leaders have called for Canada to negotiate forcefully and ensure that heating, cooling, and plumbing products are not caught in the crossfire of trade disputes. With affordability already a concern for Canadians, additional costs on critical infrastructure and services could have widespread consequences.
Read more about the advocacy efforts and what this means for Canada’s energy efficiency sector
New Report: No Margin for Error – Aligning Utility Resource Planning with a Net-Zero Future
Efficiency Canada’s latest report, No Margin for Error – Aligning Utility Resource Planning with a Net-Zero Future, examines how Canadian utilities plan for the future and identifies key gaps that could hinder progress. The report highlights the need for better coordination between electricity and natural gas sectors, more accurate energy demand forecasting, and greater integration of demand-side resources like energy efficiency programs. Without proactive planning, Canada risks falling behind on its net-zero goals, increasing costs, and missing opportunities for a more resilient energy system.
Celebrating Black Futures Month: Ruvi Mugara’s Impact in Energy Efficiency
February is Black Futures Month—a time to celebrate the Black leaders shaping the future across industries, including energy efficiency. At Efficiency Canada, we’re spotlighting trailblazers through our A Day in the Life series, featuring the engineers, architects, retrofitters, tradespeople, and Building Science experts driving an inclusive clean energy transition.
Meet Ruvi Mugara, Director of Projects at Thinkwell Shift. Ruvi redefines program success by ensuring benefits are not just measured in dollars saved or emissions cut but in how effectively they resonate with the public. Ruvi currently supports Program Managers in implementing and advancing energy transition initiatives like NB Power Navigators, Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Green Schools, and the Efficient Product Installation Service.
Watch our latest A Day in the Life video to hear Ruvi’s inspiring story and see how she’s shaping a more equitable energy future.
New Heat Pump Operates at -50°C Without Defrost Cycles
Terravis Energy has unveiled the AetherLux heat pump, a breakthrough unlike any other on the market, capable of operating in temperatures as low as -50°C (-57°F) without requiring a defrost cycle. Using ZeroFrost™ technology, it eliminates ice buildup, improving efficiency, reducing energy waste, and extending lifespan. With an efficiency rating that produces three to three-and-a-half times more heat than the electricity it consumes, AetherLux sets a new standard for high-performance heating and cooling in extreme climates.
Pre-Budget Consultations Open Until March 10
Finance Canada is seeking public input on #YourBudget2025, offering an opportunity to shape policies and priorities for Canada’s future. With consultations open until March 10, now is the time to highlight the importance of energy efficiency, clean energy investments, and climate action in federal budget decisions.
Canadians can participate by taking a short questionnaire or submitting formal feedback via email or mail.
Toronto Moves Forward with Building Emissions Standards
Toronto is set to become the second city in Canada to introduce Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS), requiring medium and large buildings to meet mandatory emission reduction targets. These standards could lower energy costs, create local jobs, and improve resident comfort, but tenant advocates stress the need for protections against rent hikes. With BEPS heading to Toronto City Council in fall 2025, public input is essential to ensure a fair and effective policy.
Read more about how Toronto can reduce building emissions while protecting tenants | Stay informed and get involved
Federal Investment Powers Deep Energy Retrofits in 420 Vancouver Homes
Over $15 million in federal funding is supporting deep energy retrofits in 420 affordable housing units across Vancouver, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 90%. Through the Canada Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH) program, upgrades include heat pumps, improved insulation, energy recovery ventilation, and double-pane windows, enhancing both sustainability and tenant comfort. These retrofits target a 70% reduction in energy consumption and an 80% cut in emissions, ensuring long-term benefits for low- and moderate-income residents.
Maple Ridge Moves Forward with Zero Carbon Step Code
The City of Maple Ridge has advanced its commitment to climate leadership by adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC), setting stricter emissions limits for new residential buildings. The first phase, Strong Carbon Performance (EL-3), takes effect July 1, 2025, with Zero Carbon Performance (EL-4) following on September 1, 2026. The city has secured BC Hydro funding for builder and staff training, ensuring a smooth transition. These changes will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance indoor air quality while preparing homes for extreme temperatures.
Learn more about the new standards | Read the City report
Federal Funding Supports Home Energy Labelling and Clean Energy Projects in PEI
Prince Edward Island is advancing its net-zero goals with $2.7 million in federal funding for clean energy and efficiency initiatives. This includes $285,000 for a Home Energy Labelling Project, which will provide virtual pre-retrofit assessments for every home and create a live digital building record system. Other funded projects include grid-tied solar and battery storage, energy management at Holland College, and transmission studies to strengthen PEI’s clean energy infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency Recognized in Quebec’s Bill 69
Advocacy efforts have secured a win for energy efficiency in Quebec’s Bill 69, with new provisions adding efficiency and energy sufficiency to the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy’s mission and the Integrated Energy Resources Management Plan (ERMP). These additions set important guidelines and targets for reducing energy use, but concerns remain that economic development still takes precedence over efficiency in the bill. More work is needed to ensure the legislation fully aligns with climate science and supports a sustainable energy transition.