The following programs are currently available for multi-family buildings (including rentals, stratas, and non-profit housing) to support building upgrades and EV charging:
Advice and Concierge Programs
- Strata Energy Advisor
- Rental Apartment Retrofit Accelerator (RARA) Pilot Program
- Building Benchmark BC
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EV charging support - see our EV Charging in Multi-unit buildings page
Financial Incentives (rebates and financing)
- Saanich Climate Action Tax Exemption Program
- Multi-unit Residential Building Retrofit Program
- Province of BC Clean Buildings Tax Credit
- Social and Non-Profit Housing Incentives
- Free Portable Air Conditioners (Income-Qualified)
- EV charging incentives- see our EV Charging in Multi-unit buildings page
- Rebates for Solar Panels & Battery Storage
Strata Energy Advisor
Strata Councils ready to upgrade their building can access the new Strata Energy Advisor program which provides in-depth support to implement energy-saving solutions, reduce emissions, and boost comfort.
From identifying retrofit opportunities aligned with major capital renewals, navigating technology and financing options, and supporting implementation, the Strata Energy Advisor Program is here to help, and free! Visit StrataEnergyAdvisorBC.ca.
Rental Apartment Retrofit Accelerator (RARA) Pilot Program
The District of Saanich launched the Climate Action Tax Exemption (CATE) program that supports electrification retrofits in rental buildings.
In tandem, the District has partner with Landlord BC and BC Hydro to expand the RARA Program. Under the program, Landlord BC supports rental building owners through the planning and application process to receive tax exemptions for eligible project costs.
Learn more and apply at LandlordBC.ca/RARA.
Building Benchmark BC
A free program that helps you monitor the energy and GHG data from your building and enables you to compare its performance against similar properties. By signing up you can:
- Receive support and training in setting up and using Energy Star Portfolio Manager, Canada’s free online energy management software
- Get insights on your building’s energy and GHG performance and help in identifying ways to reduce energy and costs
- Demonstrate leadership and choose to publicly disclose your building’s performance
- Earn recognition for your participation, no matter what your performance is
Learn more or sign up today: buildingbenchmarkbc.ca
Learn more about climate-friendly homes, including where to start for retrofits in multi-family buildings.
Saanich Climate Action Tax Exemption Program
Saanich’s Climate Action Tax Exemption (CATE) Program offers a municipal tax exemption for capital projects that involve fuel switching in commercial and multi-unit residential (rental apartment and condominium strata) buildings.
Properties can receive an exemption valued at between 50-100% of project costs after accounting for other rebates, with a maximum term of 10 years for residential buildings and 3 years for commercial buildings.
The program is now open and accepting applications. Learn more and apply.
Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program
Offered by BC Hydro and the Government of BC. Learn more.
- Opportunity Assessment: up to $5,000
- Feasibility Study: up to $30,000
- Rebates for Equipment upgrades: for whole-building upgrades including heat pumps, windows, insulation, lighting, water heating, and more
- Solar panels and batteries
Province of BC Clean Buildings Tax Credit
Many types of buildings including multi-unit residential buildings, retail, offices, schools, and more can access this tax credit for reducing energy use intensity. Learn more.
Social and Non-Profit Housing
Funding available for social and affordable housing providers include the following:
- CleanBC Social Housing Incentives, offers energy study funding, project implementation support and GHG reduction incentives
- The Sustainable Affordable Housing Program, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provides funding to retrofit existing affordable housing units, including planning, studies, pilots and capital costs.
Free Portable Air Conditioners (Income-Qualified)
The Government of B.C. is providing $10 million in funding to expand the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) to include portable air conditioners to support vulnerable customers. Income-qualified customers in all housing types, including condos and apartments, can apply online now.
Rebates for Solar Panels & Battery Storage
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels: Up to $5,000
- $1,000 per kilowatt (kW) of installed generator capacity.
- Rebate amount capped at 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials).
- Battery energy storage systems: Up to $5000
- Minimum storage size: 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- $500 per kWh of installed storage capacity.
- Rebate amount capped at 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials).