CMHC Programs

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers programs that promote energy-efficient building practices and sustainability. The Simplify team of consultants helps navigate through CMHC's offerings to secure funding and support for your projects. This involves supporting the initial paperwork and applications, as we well as the energy consulting that is required to access the funding.

The current programs that are being commonly utilized and involve energy efficiency deliverables are below:

Multi-Layered Incentives (MLI) Select Program

The Multi-Layered Incentives (MLI) Select is an innovative new multi-layered mortgage loan insurance product focused on affordability, accessibility and climate compatibility. The program provides access to reduced premiums and longer amortization periods based on your level of commitment to these three areas. Simply put, the more committed you are to social and environmental outcomes in your building, the more points you will achieve, which will result in lower interest rates and longer amortization periods, which will create a net positive outcome on the overall building economics.

This program is often accessed by buyers in the real estate market, who are seeking to purchase multi-unit residential buildings, and then perform energy retrofits following acquisition that will result in significant energy savings. The agreement to complete the retrofit within a given time helps the buyer secure the financial benefits of the program.

The program has several different levels, which provides points to an overall application. Overall, if you can achieve 100 total points through energy efficiency, accessibility, and affordability, you will maximize your benefit from the program. For energy efficiency, you will receive the following points for the corresponding energy & greenhouse gas emission reductions:

·         Level 1 (20 points)- 15% decrease in GHG emissions & energy savings

·         Level 2 (35 points)- 25% decrease in GHG emissions & energy savings

·         Level 3 (50 points)- 40% decrease in GHG emissions & energy savings

Simplify Energy Consultants Ltd. assists in identifying eligible upgrades and optimizing incentives under this program. This is accomplished through the delivery of an energy audit, detailed energy model, and an energy efficiency attestation letter that confirms that the projects identified will achieve the projected energy and GHG savings claimed within the audit.

Please contact Simplify if you are seeking an MLI Select energy efficiency audit and attestation or are looking for more information on the program and/or process.

Canada Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH) Program

The Canada Greener Affordable Housing Program is a pivotal initiative aimed at advancing sustainable, energy-efficient multi-unit residential buildings across Canada. Simplify Energy Consultants is committed to supporting building owners in navigating and maximizing the benefits of this program.

Pre-Retrofit Funding Overview

Simplify Energy Consultants facilitates seamless participation in the Canada Greener Affordable Housing – Pre-Retrofit Funding program, providing up to $130,000 in contributions for essential pre-retrofit activities. We specialize in guiding building owners through:

·         Building Condition Assessment (BCA): Assess the current state of your building to identify retrofit opportunities.

·         Energy Audit (ASHRAE Level 3 or equivalent): Conduct comprehensive energy audits to pinpoint efficiency improvements.

·         Energy Modelling Study: Utilize advanced simulations to forecast post-retrofit energy consumption and validate retrofit strategies.

·         Detailed Planning: Develop project drawings, specifications, and engineering studies to streamline the retrofit process.

·         Business Case Development: Illustrate the financial and environmental benefits of your proposed retrofit project.

·         Environmental Assessments: Evaluate potential environmental impacts and hazardous materials for mitigation.

Simplify Energy Consultants' Expertise

Simplify Energy Consultants can help you deliver these scope services efficiently and effectively. Our team ensures a straightforward approach to participating in CGAH Pre-Retrofit Funding, handling complexities to make the process easy for building owners and organizations. We specialize in:

·         Energy Scoping & Strategy: We help establish the project's scope through the energy audit, and then work with the client to refine scope based on the project budget, goals, and timelines.

·         Project Leadership: Managing all phases of the project from planning to implementation, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.

·         Client-Centric Solutions: Tailoring strategies to align with your specific building and community goals.

·         Comprehensive Support: Providing guidance on documentation requirements and ensuring reports meet program standards for a seamless transition to Retrofit Funding eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for CGAH Pre-Retrofit Funding, your project must meet specific criteria aimed at supporting affordable housing and sustainable development initiatives. Eligible properties include mixed-income rental housing, community housing, Indigenous community housing, shelters, transitional and supportive housing, and single-room occupancy units.

Next Steps

If you are ready to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of your multi-unit residential building(s) through CGAH Pre-Retrofit Funding, Simplify Energy Consultants is here to assist you every step of the way. Start the application process today to take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for deep energy retrofits that benefit both your community and the environment.

For more information and to begin your application, please contact us now.