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Source verified August 10, 2026
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction
Efficient new construction incentives in Nova Scotia
Latest source updateLast Update: August 10, 2026Latest change: Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Commercial New Construction materials now show broader project eligibility, new participation steps, and incentive details including modelling support up to $15,000.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 10, 2026
Latest change: Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Commercial New Construction materials now show broader project eligibility, new participation steps, and incentive details including modelling support up to $15,000.
Commercial New Construction program expanded
The Commercial New Construction pages now show a broader program scope for commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential new construction, and the application page adds substantive eligibility rules for projects in Nova Scotia: design phase, at least 15,000 ft², at least two energy-efficient measures, at least 25% lower total building energy use, and at least 100,000 kWh in electricity savings. The overview and program page also now describe funding details, including a modelling incentive of up to $15,000 and a customized implementation incentive based on modelled performance. The application page now directs applicants to complete the form or call 1-877-999-6035 to speak with an Energy Solutions Advisor.
Funding available
$ 750,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Commercial New Construction Program supports whole-building energy modelling for commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential new construction in Nova Scotia, with a modelling incentive of up to $15,000. It helps offset efficient construction through customized implementation incentives for electrical savings from design, construction and energy-saving measures.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 750,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Whole-building energy modelling as a design tool
- Commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential new construction projects
Documents Needed
- Energy Modeling Incentive Application
- Signature from the consultant
- Signature from the Customer or Customer's representative
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses
Eligible expenses
- Whole-building energy modelling fees
- Capital costs of efficient construction
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Lighting savings
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Modelled electricity savings.
- Overall energy performance compared with the baseline.
- Number and effectiveness of energy-saving measures.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact Efficiency Nova Scotia for eligibility questions and initial guidance.
- Reach out early in the design phase.
- Connect with the program team for support.
- Step 2: Work with an energy modelling consultant
- Use an approved consultant or obtain approval for a one-time submission.
- Prepare the energy modelling application with the consultant.
- Step 3: Submit the application for review
- Send the Energy Modeling Incentive Application for ENS approval.
- Wait for project registration before starting modelling.
- Step 4: Complete modelling and agreement stage
- Submit the preliminary energy model and required supporting materials.
- Review and sign the project agreement when issued by ENS.
- Step 5: Complete construction and final verification
- Submit the as-built energy model after construction.
- Allow ENS to verify the installed measures and finalize payment.
Processing and Agreement
- Upon approval, the project is registered in the NC program, and modeling can proceed.
- ENS prepares the Custom Project Agreement (CPA), which confirms the value of the implementation incentive.
- The CPA must be reviewed and signed by the Customer (or Representative).
- Following receipt of the signed CPA, the Energy Modeling Incentive is paid to the project owner.
- ENS conducts a facility site visit to verify energy efficiency measures, adjusts savings if required, and pays the implementation incentive to the Customer.
Additional information
- The Guide will be updated as needed based on changes to modeling requirements, code versions, or program funding.
- Energy models must be prepared using eQuest, IESVE, HAP, or EnergyPlus.
- Some renovations may be better suited to Custom Retrofit; ENS program staff will work with owners and consultants to determine the suitable program for renovations.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction Program
What is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction?
Commercial New Construction Program supports whole-building energy modelling for commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential new construction in Nova Scotia, with a modelling incentive of up to $15,000. It helps offset efficient construction through customized implementation incentives for electrical savings from design, construction and energy-saving measures.
How much funding can be received?
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $750,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction program?
To be eligible for the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction program, you must:
Project must be in design phase (pre-construction)
Total conditioned area must be at least 15,000 ft² and the project must be located in Nova Scotia and save electrical energy
Project must implement at least two energy efficient measures and achieve a reduction in total building energy consumption of at least 25% and at least 100,000 kWh of electricity savings
What expenses are eligible under Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction?
Whole-building energy modelling as a design tool
Commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential new construction projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction?
You can contact Efficiency Nova Scotia by email at nc@efficiencyns.ca or by phone at 1-877-999-6035.
Where is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction available?
The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Commercial New Construction is a Grant and Funding