CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program: Up to $500,000 for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

On September 17, 2024, the British Columbia government and B.C. Hydro launched a joint initiative to support energy-efficient upgrades in multi-unit residential buildings.

This new program, known as the CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program, aims to help building owners, strata councils, and equity co-op boards renovate their buildings and reduce energy consumption while lowering utility bills.

By offering significant financial incentives for crucial upgrades, including replacement windows, HVAC systems, and heat pumps, the program presents a unique opportunity to modernise multi-unit residential buildings at a lower cost while contributing to environmental sustainability.

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About CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program

According to B.C. Gov News, The CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program is backed by $61 million in funding over the next three years. This funding is divided between two key contributors: the provincial government’s investment of $26 million and $35 million from B.C. Hydro through its Energy Efficiency Plan.

The goal is to promote energy-efficient retrofits in multi-unit residential buildings, helping reduce energy consumption, cut operational costs, and support British Columbia’s climate action goals. These upgrades also align with B.C. Hydro’s long-term strategy is to optimise energy use and manage demand in the province.

According to potential estimates about the program, some major whole-building retrofits can lead to substantial energy savings:

• A typical 65-unit rental building could switch from central gas heating to in-suite heat pumps, saving as much as $16,250 per year for the whole building or $250 per year per suite;
• An average-size 130-suite condo building could replace electric baseboards with heat pumps, saving $18,000 on average per year for the entire building or $140 per year per suite.

But the list of energy-efficiency upgrades goes beyond that, with many rebates allocated for windows, ventilation, lightning, and other energy-efficient upgrades eligible for the program.

What is B.C. Hydro’s Energy Efficiency Plan?

B.C. Hydro’s Energy Efficiency Plan is pivotal in the CleanBC Retrofit Program. With an investment of over $700 million over the next three years, B.C. Hydro is ramping up efforts to support energy-efficient upgrades. This is a 60% increase over previous budgets, reflecting a significant commitment to reducing energy consumption across British Columbia.

By encouraging energy-efficient technologies, B.C. Hydro aims to achieve 2,000 gigawatt-hours of energy savings by 2030, enough to power 200,000 homes.

Additionally, the plan targets 400 megawatts of capacity savings through demand-response programs, helping stabilize the province’s power grid and meet future energy demands.

These efforts align with the broader goal of reducing energy consumption in multi-unit residential buildings while supporting building owners in making sustainable, cost-saving improvements.

Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program: Eligibility & Qualified Upgrades

The CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program is available to purpose-built rental, condominium, and equity co-op buildings within B.C. Hydro’s service area. Eligible building types include:

• Low-rise apartments (3–6 storeys) and high-rise apartments (7+ storeys) with common area lighting and central mechanical systems.
• Stacked townhomes with three or four storeys, where units are stacked on each other, each with its own front entrance.
• Multiplex: Small multi-unit residential buildings of three storeys or less with no significant common lighting or central mechanical systems.

This program applies exclusively to retrofits; new construction projects are not eligible.

Applicants must work with a program-approved contractor to ensure proper installation and adherence to energy efficiency standards.

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Types of Retrofits Covered

A maximum rebate of up to $500,000 can be allocated per project. The program supports a variety of retrofits that contribute to energy savings, including:

For buildings currently heated by electricity

• Energy-efficient windows – $30 per square foot
• Heat pumps – single-head* – $1,000 per heat pump
• Heat pumps – multi-split* – $800 per head 
• Heat pump – central system* – $1,200 per ton of capacity
• In-suite heat pump water heaters* – $3,000 per unit
• Central heat pump water heaters – $2,600 per suite served
• Ventilation make-up air unit – $2,000 per ton of capacity

For buildings currently heated by natural gas, oil or propane

• Heat pumps – single-head* – $3,000 per heat pump
• Heat pumps – multi-split* – $2,400 per head
• Heat pump – central system* – $3,600 per ton of capacity
• In-suite heat pump water heaters* – $3,000 per unit
• Central heat pump water heaters – $2,600 per suite served
• Make-up air unit – $6,000 per ton of capacity
• Electrical capacity upgrades – $130/ tCO2e of lifetime GHG savings

NOTE: *Must cover a substantial portion of the building suites. This offer is not for individual, in-suite upgrades.Ecoline Windows specializes in complex strata window installations, offering top-quality window replacements that meet the program’s eligibility requirements. With extensive experience, we install energy-efficient windows that maximize rebates and long-term savings.

How to Apply For and Claim Funds From the Clean BC Program?

1. Make sure your building qualifies;
2. Go through an opportunity assessment completed by an energy consultant (the program covers up to 100% of the assessment cost, to a maximum of $5,000);
3. Gather the approvals and funds for your project;
4. Hire a qualified contractor to perform the work (should be a registered business in British Columbia with a minimum of five years’ experience selling and/or installing energy-efficient equipment and a B.C. business license and GST number);
5. Apply online before purchasing any equipment or removing any original equipment. You’ll need the required documents completed by your contractor;
6. Application review. You’ll sign a funding agreement if pre-approved, and your contractor can complete the project;
7. After completing your project, return to your online application and submit the required documents. This must be done within 12 months of your pre-approval date;
8. Documents review. If approved, the rebate payment will be processed in accordance with your agreement.

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