UPDATE:
As of Jan 19th, registrations for qualifying audits under the Canada Greener Homes Grant are paused. Enbridge is initiating a reconciliation process to determine the program’s viability given the Federal government budget constraints.
We are awaiting further information, and are committed to keeping you up to date.
In a surprising turn of events, the Canada Greener Homes Grant, a program aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is set to close its doors to new homeowners on February 29th. Launched just two and a half years ago with a planned seven-year duration, the program’s unexpected success has led to an early end due to exceeding its budget. At Green Venture, we firmly believe that thriving climate-resilience initiatives should be nurtured and expanded, not cut short. The impact of Greener Homes retrofits in 2022 alone showcased a remarkable 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in participating homes.
Why It Matters:
The closure of the Canada Greener Homes Grant means a missed opportunity to build on the program’s achievements. As we face the urgent need to combat climate change, initiatives that demonstrate clear and tangible results, such as the Greener Homes program, should be at the forefront of our efforts.
The Good News: Residential Retrofits are Working
We know this program is working to increase energy efficiency in the Hamilton area. In 2023, Green Venture performed 595 EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluations, and to date, approximately 20 homeowners have subsequently undertaken ‘deep energy retrofits’ – retrofits that result in greater than 50% improvement in energy efficiency. This year alone, we successfully helped homeowners save a total of 304 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions per year after they followed our recommendations.
Green Venture’s EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation clients achieved close to 30% average annual reduction in GHG emissions. The Greener Homes program incentivized high impact retrofits like switching to heat pumps, adding solar panels, and undertaking significant building envelope insulation and air-sealing retrofits.
We know that homeowners are eager to protect the planet. The community climate action spurred by Greener Homes retrofits proves that with the right support, homeowners can significantly contribute to reducing their carbon footprint and to Hamilton achieving their target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Take Action:
Green Venture is calling on our community to voice their concern and take a stand against the early closure of the Canada Greener Homes Grant. By signing up to send a letter to key government officials, you can make a difference. Feel free to personalize the letter below with your own perspective and story, amplifying the impact of your voice.
The Canada Greener Homes Grant has been a beacon of success in the fight against climate change, with homeowners actively contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. Now, more than ever, we need your support to keep this momentum going. Join us in urging the government to reconsider and extend the program, allowing more Canadians to benefit from energy-efficient retrofits and contribute to a healthier planet.
