How to Apply to the GIFMP Industrial Facility Track: Step-by-Step Guide
The Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP) — Industrial Facility Track provides cost‑shared federal funding to implement energy efficiency and energy management solutions in Canadian industrial sites. Typical support is up to 50% of eligible costs (up to 100% for Indigenous and not‑for‑profit organizations), with historical requests ranging from $40,000 to $10 million per proposal. This guide explains how to apply to the GIFMP Industrial Facility Track.
Administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the track funds training, audits, energy managers, energy management systems (including ISO 50001 and 50001 Ready Canada), and non‑emitting capital retrofits integrated with energy management. Intake dates, caps, and details can vary by round. As of 2025-12-02, verify the current intake window before preparing your submission.
Overview of the GIFMP Industrial Facility Track
The Industrial Facility Track targets Canadian industrial facilities engaged in energy‑consuming processes that physically or chemically transform materials into new products. Projects that enhance energy efficiency, strengthen energy management, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are in scope.
Key features:
Funding model: cost‑shared contribution (grant-style contribution agreement).
Typical rates: up to 50% of eligible costs; up to 100% for Indigenous or not‑for‑profit recipients.
Amounts: minimum $40,000; historical maximums up to $10 million per proposal (some communications referenced $5 million in later intakes; confirm active round).
Eligible activities: training, energy assessments and audits (including process integration and computational fluid dynamics studies), energy managers, energy management systems (EMIS, ISO 50001, 50001 Ready Canada, Superior Energy Performance), and capital retrofits that are non‑emitting at point of end‑use and tied to an energy management system.
Program status and timing:
Past intake windows included July 8–August 30, 2024 for general applicants, with Indigenous applicants accepted to March 31, 2025.
Industry sources noted a subsequent intake closing in 2025. Always verify current dates, as deadlines and caps change by round.
Eligibility Requirements
Use this checklist to self‑assess before you apply:
Organization type
Canadian industrial facility owner/operator, including for‑profit corporations, not‑for‑profit organizations, and Indigenous organizations.
The facility must be located in Canada (e.g., in Ontario, Québec, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Atlantic provinces, or the territories).
Facility and activity fit
Fixed industrial site engaged in energy‑consuming processes that transform materials or substances into new products (e.g., manufacturing, processing, mining, pulp and paper, chemicals, metals, food processing).
Project activities align with one or more eligible areas: training, assessments/audits, energy managers, energy management systems, and capital energy‑efficiency retrofits.
Capital retrofit criteria (if included)
Retrofits must be non‑emitting at the point of end‑use (for example, electrification, renewable energy/biomass, hydrogen, or other zero end‑use emission options).
An energy management system (EMS) is in place or implemented as part of the project.
Financial criteria
Minimum total eligible costs sufficient to meet the $40,000 request threshold.
Ability to cash‑flow your cost share (typically 50%, unless eligible at 100%).
Disclosure of other public funding (stacking) to ensure compliance with federal, provincial, and utility incentives.
Timing
Costs are incurred only after a contribution agreement is signed and before the program’s cost‑eligibility end date (historically March 31, 2027 for some rounds; confirm active round timelines).
Compliance and documentation
Prepared to provide a CIPEC Leader letter (Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation) as included in the application package.
Willing and able to report on energy and GHG results and support verification.
If a part of your site is non‑industrial (e.g., offices or warehousing), only the industrial portions and directly linked process systems are typically in scope. Lighting, building envelope, and warehouse‑only measures are commonly ineligible under this track.
Required Documents
Gather these documents before drafting your application. The official Application Package typically contains templates and instructions:
Application Guide
Application Form
Project Workbook (technical and financial details)
CIPEC Leader letter template or instructions
Corporate information and authorization (legal name, address, signatories)
Financial statements or evidence of financial capacity
Project description and business case
Detailed scope of work (linked to eligible activities)
Energy and GHG baseline, methodology, and projected savings
Measurement and Verification (M&V) approach
Implementation schedule and milestones
Itemized budget by activity and cost category (eligible vs. ineligible)
Quotes or proposals from vendors/contractors
Risk assessment and mitigation plan
Procurement approach and timelines
Operational readiness and staffing plan (e.g., energy manager role)
Training plan (if applicable)
EMS documentation (ISO 50001 status, 50001 Ready Canada recognition, EMIS description)
Indigenous participation or partnership details (if applicable)
Disclosure of other funding (federal, provincial, utility)
Declarations and attestations required by NRCan
Check the Application Guide for formatting requirements, file naming conventions, and any page or character limits.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to complete the GIFMP application efficiently.
Step 1: Confirm program fit and intake status
Review the Industrial Facility Track’s objectives and eligible activities.
Verify that an intake is open and note the submission deadline for your applicant type (general or Indigenous).
Ensure your project satisfies non‑emitting retrofit requirements and EMS integration if capital measures are included.
Step 2: Request the Application Package
Ask NRCan for the GIFMP Industrial Facility Track Application Package.
Obtain the Application Guide, Application Form, Project Workbook, and CIPEC Leader letter.
Confirm round‑specific parameters: funding caps, eligible cost window, priority themes, and evaluation criteria.
Step 3: Register for the NRCan GIFMP portal
Create an account or log in.
Complete your organization profile (legal entity, CRA number if applicable, contact information).
Add facility details (site address, NAICS code, production/process overview).
Step 4: Build your baseline and targets
Compile energy consumption and GHG emissions baselines for relevant systems and years.
Choose a credible methodology for savings estimation (e.g., engineering calculations, metered data, process integration studies).
Define KPIs (e.g., kWh/tonne, GJ/unit, tCO2e avoided) and the M&V plan you will follow.
Step 5: Define scope, schedule, and budget
Map eligible activities: training, audits/studies (process integration, CFD), energy manager role, EMS implementation or upgrade, and non‑emitting capital retrofits.
Develop a realistic schedule with milestones and commissioning dates.
Prepare an itemized budget by activity. Separate eligible and ineligible items (e.g., exclude lighting, building envelope, most fleet vehicles, and any new construction).
Validate cost‑sharing: typically 50% (up to 100% for Indigenous or not‑for‑profit recipients). Ensure you can cash‑flow your share until reimbursement.
Confirm that all costs fall within the eligible cost window for the round.
Step 6: Prepare supporting evidence
Gather vendor quotes, engineering memos, and technical datasheets.
Document EMS status (ISO 50001 certification, 50001 Ready Canada recognition, EMIS description).
Draft a training plan if workforce development is included.
Prepare risk and mitigation analysis (supply chain, permitting, outage windows).
Obtain internal approvals and any required third‑party letters of support.
Step 7: Complete the Project Workbook and Application Form
Enter technical details: systems, baselines, savings by measure, and expected GHG reductions.
Provide financial data: total costs, eligible costs, requested contribution, and other funding sources.
Address merit criteria: energy efficiency awareness and uptake, outcomes and benefits, risks and mitigation, and organizational capacity.
Step 8: Prepare the CIPEC Leader letter
Use the letter included in the package. Ensure the correct legal name, facility, and commitments are reflected.
Have an authorized representative sign as required.
Step 9: Upload and validate in the NRCan GIFMP portal
Upload the Application Form, Project Workbook, CIPEC Leader letter, and all supporting documents.
Follow portal naming conventions and size limits.
Run any portal validations and fix missing fields before final submission.
Step 10: Submit before the deadline and retain proof
Submit your application in the portal before the published deadline.
Save the confirmation page or receipt.
Be available for follow‑up questions during NRCan’s assessment.
Application Timeline
Timelines vary by intake and project complexity. Typical milestones:
Intake window: historically 6–10 weeks for general applicants; specific Indigenous windows may be longer.
Assessment: allow several weeks to a few months for completeness checks and merit review.
Contribution agreement negotiation: timelines depend on due diligence, scope clarity, and budget finalization.
Project start: only costs incurred after the agreement is signed are eligible.
Cost eligibility end date: defined in each round (historically as late as March 31, 2027 in some materials). Confirm the active round’s date.
Past examples:
General intake: July 8–August 30, 2024.
Indigenous intake: July 8, 2024–March 31, 2025.
Future rounds may differ; always verify before planning.
Tips for a Successful Application
Align to program intent: Clearly show how your project drives energy efficiency, builds energy management capacity, and reduces GHGs.
Quantify benefits: Provide transparent baseline data, sound assumptions, and defensible savings calculations.
Integrate EMS: Tie capital retrofits to an energy management system (ISO 50001, 50001 Ready Canada, EMIS) to strengthen persistence of savings.
Demonstrate feasibility: Include realistic schedules, vendor quotes, outage planning, and commissioning procedures.
Optimize scope: Bundle measures across systems (steam, compressed air, refrigeration, process heating, fans/pumps) for better facility‑wide impact.
Address risks: Present a credible mitigation plan for supply chain, permitting, and operational disruptions.
Be portal‑ready: Follow the portal checklist, file formats, and naming standards to avoid delays.
Disclose stacking: Report other public funding (federal, provincial, utility) to ensure compliance.
Use the CIPEC Leader letter correctly: Complete and sign it as instructed in the package.
Reflect regional balance: Note Canadian footprint and benefits across provinces where relevant (e.g., Ontario, Québec, B.C., Alberta), as distribution may be considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing or incomplete CIPEC Leader letter.
Including ineligible measures (lighting, building envelope, new construction, general warehousing) or fleet vehicles not directly tied to industrial processes.
Budgeting costs outside the eligible cost window or before agreement signature.
Weak or unsubstantiated energy and GHG savings estimates.
No EMS linkage for capital retrofits.
Insufficient vendor quotes or lack of technical documentation.
Portal submission errors (wrong files, missing signatures, incorrect file names).
Assuming historical caps and dates apply to the current intake without verification.
What Happens After You Apply
Completeness and eligibility check: NRCan reviews your file for required documents and alignment with program objectives.
Merit evaluation: Proposals are assessed on criteria such as awareness and uptake of industrial energy efficiency, outcomes and benefits, and risks and mitigation.
Funding decision: NRCan considers evaluation results, risk, regional distribution, sector balance, and budget availability.
Contribution agreement: If selected, NRCan will negotiate a contribution agreement outlining scope, eligible costs, reporting, and reimbursement terms.
Project implementation: You proceed according to the agreement. Maintain documentation for audits and claims.
Claims and reporting: Submit claims with invoices, proof of payment, and progress reports. Follow the M&V plan to confirm savings.
Amendments: Scope or schedule changes require prior approval to maintain eligibility.
If not selected, review feedback, address gaps (e.g., strengthen EMS integration or refine savings estimates), and consider reapplying in a future intake if available.
Conclusion
Applying to the GIFMP Industrial Facility Track requires careful planning, robust technical evidence, and disciplined documentation. Confirm intake status, align your scope with eligible activities, integrate an energy management system for capital retrofits, and substantiate energy and GHG savings. With a complete Application Package, a well‑structured budget, and timely portal submission, industrial facilities across Canada can position strong proposals for cost‑shared NRCan funding.
