Support programs for commercial buildings

Whether you’re planning quick upgrades or long‑term investments, these resources can help.

What you need to know

To help building owners meet Vancouver’s climate targets, a range of support programs and incentives are available. These programs provide:

Funding
Rebates
Technical assistance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and lower operating costs

Looking for multi-family building support? Review residential support programs

Energy assessments and planning support
- BC Hydro Integrated Energy Audit : Provides up to 100% funding for an energy audit to identify major areas of energy use and opportunities to improve efficiency.
- FortisBC Commercial Energy Assessment Program : Offers a free energy walkthrough with a FortisBC consultant to highlight quick savings, efficiency upgrade options, and available rebates.
- BC Hydro Feasibility Study : Examines options and costs to boost efficiency, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and lower energy expenses. The study can be tailored to existing buildings, expansions, or new developments, providing insights to help make informed decisions.
Low-cost, immediate actions to reduce emissions
- BC Hydro Continuous Optimization Program : No-cost recommissioning consultations for large commercial buildings.
- FortisBC heating system optimization rebates : Rebates up to 75% to upgrade gas heating equipment.
- FortisBC pipe and tank insulation rebates $4 to $9 for each square foot of pipe and tank insulation.
- FortisBC air curtain rebates : Up to $2,000 for each door when installing qualified air curtains.
Major upgrades and long-term savings
- FortisBC Dual fuel rooftop unit rebates : Rebates from $150,000 to $225,000 for each installation.
- FortisBC Custom Efficiency Program : Up to $500,000 for natural gas efficiency upgrades.
- Sign up for the FortisBC renewable natural gas blend . A voluntary program to lower GHGI.
Reduce electrical load and operational costs
- BC Hydro lighting system incentives : Average incentive of 25% of project cost.
- BC Hydro custom project incentives : Funding for energy management opportunities. Bonus: 30% extra incentive for projects submitted June 3, 2025, to February 11, 2027 (completion by Mar 14, 2028).
Additional programs and funding opportunities
- The Zero Emissions Innovation Centre | ZEIC : Metro Vancouver’s urban decarbonization hub.
- Decarb Accelerator Program | BOMA BC: Support for commercial building decarbonization.
- Commercial Retrofit Financing | Business Development Bank of Canada : Funding for commercial building retrofits.
- Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit : A refundable federal tax credit covering up to 30% of eligible clean technology investments.