The Sustainability and Climate Resilience Grant Program has launched its applications to promote sustainable design, energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and climate resilience through existing commercial and mixed-use commercial building upgrades.
The focus areas of this program include sustainable building design, energy efficiency improvements, climate resilience enhancements, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, lowering overall energy consumption, integration of clean energy systems, and support for environmental sustainability upgrades in commercial infrastructure.
The grant supports sustainability upgrades in commercial buildings, including energy-efficient windows and doors, heat pumps (excluding ground-source), insulation, air sealing, heat recovery systems, electrical upgrades for efficient technologies, on-demand electric water heaters, smart energy controls, on-site renewable energy such as solar, reflective roofing, EV charging in public parking areas, and secure bicycle parking, with additional eligible improvements considered if they enhance climate resilience and sustainability.
Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of up to $10,000 per project. This financial assistance is intended to complement other provincial or federal energy efficiency programs, and any additional funding received from other sources is required to be disclosed and may result in adjustments to approved amounts.
Eligible projects must ensure that all upgrades are permanent in nature and directly contribute to greenhouse gas reduction, improved energy efficiency, or enhanced climate resilience. Certain projects, such as solar energy installations and electric vehicle charging systems, require necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities, including electrical safety approvals.
Properties with heritage designation or listing must comply with applicable heritage conservation standards and obtain required approvals before project execution. Where an energy audit is required based on project scope, it must be submitted as part of the application process prior to approval of funding.
Applicants are expected to review applicable building and planning requirements before commencing any work, as some projects may require additional permits depending on scope and structural considerations. Compliance with all relevant municipal and external regulatory requirements is mandatory for project eligibility.
For more information, visit City of Waterloo.
