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Energy resources and programs for existing multi-family buildings

Our 2020 energy reduction target for existing buildings is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 2007 levels.

Do you live in or own a multi-family building? Below is a list of energy resources and programs available for residents or owners of a condo, strata building, townhouse, rental apartment, non-profit, and co-op.

Depending on its size, your building may be eligible for a range of utility programs, incentives, and rebates.

Product incentives can help offset the costs to replace old, inefficient technologies with new energy-efficient models. Free energy assessments may also be available.

Renovating?

As part of the our Greenest City 2020 Action Plan, we introduced Canada’s first energy bylaw for existing buildings. The energy requirements come into effect when you apply for a building permit to renovate any part of a building, including residential suites.

Find energy requirements specific to your renovation project (171 KB)

Resources and programs for:

All multi-family buildings

Energy tips, guides, rebates, and resources

Find tips on reducing the energy and water consumption in multi-family buildings to lower your utility bills as well as guides on maintenance and renewal of building components, such as doors, windows, and more.
Rebates, incentives, and resources from organizations
Additional energy tips and resources
Renovation and maintenance energy guide

Get info on when to repair or when to consider replacing different building systems and components. Examples include guides on window and door replacements, building envelope maintenance and renewals projects, and how to manage renewals projects.

Consult BC Housing’s research library

Assistance and savings based on income

Energy Savings Kit Program

Save money on your utility bill and make your home more comfortable. In partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC, Energy Savings Kits are free for qualified low income households. The kit includes easy-to-install energy saving products such as water-saving showerheads, CFL light bulbs, or weather stripping.

Energy Conservation Assistance Program

BC Hydro and FortisBC offer the free Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) to low income households with high energy consumption. Qualified ECAP applicants will receive a free home energy evaluation and installation of energy saving products, which may include an Energy Star® refrigerator, insulation for attics and crawlspaces, and faucet aerators for kitchen and bathroom.

If you have questions or need help with your application, please contact the utilities’ partner Carillion Canada at 1-877-806-3242.

BC Housing assistance

BC Housing offers a range of housing assistance services for low-income residents in need. Services range from rental housing, rental assistance, and financial aid for home modifications to tenant programs and resources.
Strata communities

Tools, resources, and information about current programs for strata unit owners or council members who are interested in maintaining their building as well as planning for capital upgrades.
Strata Energy Advisor Program

The Strata Energy Advisor Program provides free energy assessments and support for end of life retrofits for strata buildings in Metro Vancouver. Strata corporations and building managers can register for a free assessment of their building by a strata energy advisor, who will identify cost-effective, energy efficient upgrades to improve building efficiency and help save money over time. Program currently not accepting new buildings.
- Receive resources on building maintenance and feature technologies
Condominium Home Owners’ Association (CHOA)

CHOA is a consumer based non-profit association that promotes the understanding of strata property living and the interests of strata property owners in BC. The organization offers education, publications, resources, and support to strata corporations, councils, investors, managers, and industry across the province.

Consult CHOA resources and information bulletins on a wide variety of topics such as alterations, audits, depreciation reports, and energy upgrades.
Rental apartment building

Save money, energy, water, and get tips if you are an owner or manager of a rental apartment building.

FortisBC Rental Apartment Efficiency Program

The FortisBC Rental Apartment Efficiency Program is designed to save money, energy, and water for owners and managers of rental apartment buildings that are nine units and larger and receive natural gas from FortisBC under a commercial rate class.

Landlord BC

LandlordBC is an organization that makes owning and managing rental properties in BC easier for landlords and property managers.

They provide members-only education, resources, and support and strive to balance landlords’ rights with tenants’ rights. All landlords may access their online education platform through the Landlord Registry™ .
Non-profit and co-op housing

Non-profit and co-op housing are eligible for energy programs and rebates.
FortisBC

Non-profit, co-op, or First Nations housing providers can take advantage of rebates on high-efficiency boilers and commercial water heaters and enjoy valuable top-up rebates.
- FortisBC Non-Profit Housing
- FortisBC Rental Apartment Efficiency Program
Other programs
Energy benchmarking for existing large buildings

Do you own or manage large buildings 50,000 ft² and larger in BC.

Energy benchmarking is the process of tracking and recording a building’s energy performance over time. It is based on the fundamental principle that building energy consumption must be measured before it can be managed.

By participating in the voluntary Building Benchmark BC pilot project, building owners and managers will receive data on building’s performance and carbon emissions relative to similar buildings. Performance data can help owners and managers to identify opportunities for operational efficiency improvements and retrofit projects.

Sign up by March 31