Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program
NB, Canada
Financial incentives for energy efficiency in New Brunswick
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- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- NB Power
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grant_card_status|open
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If you own or operate a commercial building in New Brunswick, you could get up to $1.25 million to implement energy efficiency projects in order to reduce electricity consumption, increase competitiveness, and produce a healthier and more comfortable work
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This grant is available to companies operating in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. The program targets retrofit projects within this geographical area to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in commercial buildings.
- New Brunswick, Canada
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$125,000
Upgrade insulation in a commercial building to reduce heating and cooling costs
$150,000
Integrate a Building Management System to optimize energy use in a university campus
$300,000
Upgrade HVAC systems in a commercial building to enhance energy efficiency
$350,000
Retrofit windows and doors to improve energy efficiency in an office building
$600,000
Install solar panels to reduce electricity consumption in a warehouse
$120,000
Implement LED lighting across a retail store to cut down energy use
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To qualify for the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program, applicants must satisfy a range of criteria related to their business operations and project specifics.
- Eligible applicants include owners, managers, or lessees of commercial or institutional buildings located in New Brunswick.
- The building must be at least two years old.
- The applicant must provide a one-year summary or baseline of the utility bills.
- A copy of one month’s electricity bill must be provided.
- If connected to another structure, the building must be distinguishable as an independent unit with a separate utility meter or a detailed engineering analysis.
- Buildings and projects must not have initiated retrofitting before the agreement to meet eligibility for funding.
- Applications can only be re-submitted in subsequent fiscal years if the maximum implementation incentives have not been previously received in the same year.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of buildings and companies for the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program. These include various commercial, institutional, and municipally owned buildings in New Brunswick.
- Commercial or institutional buildings (e.g., agricultural buildings, arenas, grocery stores, health care facilities, hotels, institutional buildings such as colleges, hospitals, schools, universities, nursing homes, provincial buildings, office buildings, places of worship, recreational facilities, restaurants, retail buildings, stand-alone warehouses, water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations)
- Municipally owned buildings
- Multi-unit residential buildings with three or more units
- Mixed-use commercial/residential buildings, including houses modified for commercial use
- Multi-building/national accounts, including franchisees, drug store chains, and food chains
- Buildings undergoing occupancy changes during renovation
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is not available to certain types of buildings and organizations as outlined by the program's guidelines. These exclusions ensure that the program targets the buildings that align with its energy efficiency and reduction objectives.
- Manufacturing facilities and their attached warehouses and facilities.
- Residential buildings including houses, duplexes, and townhouses.
- Federally owned buildings.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant is focused on improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings through a variety of eligible projects. These projects are designed to result in significant energy savings and increased competitiveness for building owners.
- Implementation of energy-efficient lighting systems including LED fixtures and controls.
- Enhancements to building envelopes through added insulation and airgap sealing.
- Installation of advanced Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS).
- Upgrades to water heating systems, such as high-efficiency heaters and heat pumps.
- Introduction of high-efficiency motors and variable speed drives.
- Retrofitting of HVAC systems with efficient boilers, heat pumps, and economizers.
- Replacement of commercial appliances with energy-efficient models.
- Integration of renewable energy solutions like solar, wind, and biomass systems.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible expenses for this grant cover various project-related costs for implementing energy-saving measures.
- External project management costs.
- Purchase and installation of approved equipment.
- Disposal and decommission of equipment replaced through the program.
- Project inspections performed due to legal and regulatory requirements.
- Shipping, delivery, duties, and other costs associated with the delivery of equipment to the eligible project site.
- Fees for consultants directly involved in the design, selection, purchase, and installation of the approved measure(s).
- Additional study costs or other costs approved by NB Power, at its discretion.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant outlined in the program guide.
- Eligible building types must meet the specific criteria outlined in Section 2.1.
- All mandatory building requirements as listed in Section 2.3 must be satisfied.
- Proposed projects must include eligible measures that result in energy savings as outlined in Section 2.4.
- Ineligible measures, as described in Section 2.5, will not be accepted.
- The projects must comply with eligible and ineligible costs criteria specified in Sections 2.6 and 2.7 respectively.
- Applications must include all mandatory documents and information listed in Section 2.8.
- The proposed project must have a simple payback period of at least one year.
- NB Power's technical staff will evaluate the comprehensiveness and detail of the energy audit as per Sections 4.0 and 5.0.
- Incentives are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to program budget constraints.
- NB Power reserves the right to limit the number of projects or reject applications based on eligibility analysis and criteria satisfaction.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program:
- Step 1: Contact an NB Power Commercial Technical Energy Advisor
- Reach out to an NB Power Commercial Technical Energy Advisor for program guidance.
- Contact NB Power at 1 800 663-6272 option 5 or by email at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
- Step 2: Schedule your Energy Audit or Feasibility Study
- Contact an approved Energy Management Service Provider (EMSP) or Specialized Service Provider (SSP).
- The EMSP/SSP will conduct the audit/feasibility study and submit an application on your behalf to NB Power.
- Ensure the selected professional has the necessary qualifications.
- Step 3: Submit Program Agreement
- Receive program documents via email from NB Power.
- Sign and return the Program Agreement to NB Power at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
- Step 4: Submit the Statement of Work
- Review the audit report/feasibility study and decide on projects to implement.
- Complete the Statement of Work Form indicating intended projects.
- Send the signed form to NB Power for approval at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
- Step 5: Receive Approval to Get Started
- Wait for NB Power's approval of the Statement of Work.
- Commence implementation only after receiving approval from NB Power.
- Step 6: Submit Request for Payment
- Complete the energy efficiency upgrades.
- Submit the Request for Payment Form along with relevant invoices and receipts to NB Power at CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com.
- Step 7: Site Visit
- NB Power staff may perform a site visit to verify the installation of energy efficiency measures.
- Step 8: Receive Incentive Payment
- Incentive payment issued within 60 days after NB Power's approval of the Request for Payment.
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The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program offers substantial financial incentives to assist commercial buildings in implementing energy efficiency projects in New Brunswick.
- The program provides up to $8,000 for an energy audit.
- Up to $1.25 million per project can be awarded for actual implementation, based on energy savings achieved.
- Projects must not begin until a Program Agreement has been signed and approval has been received from NB Power.
- Eligibility includes various types of commercial and institutional buildings, but excludes new buildings under 2 years, manufacturing facilities, and federally owned buildings.
- The program requires an ASHRAE Level II energy audit to be performed by qualified professionals.
- Energy savings measures eligible for funding include lighting upgrades, building envelope improvements, HVAC system upgrades, and renewable energy installations.
- Ineligible costs include used or rebuilt equipment, internal labor costs, and electrical service upgrades.
- The application process involves scheduling an audit, submitting a Statement of Work, receiving approval, and then requesting payment upon project completion.
grant_single_labels|contact
CEES-SEEC@nbpower.com
1-800-663-6272
Apply to this program
Unlock Energy Savings with the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program
The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program offers significant financial incentives to assist commercial and institutional buildings in implementing energy efficiency projects. With the goal of reducing carbon footprints and enhancing economic competitiveness, the program is a cornerstone of New Brunswick's efforts to foster sustainable development and energy conservation.
Dive Deep into the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program and Its Benefits
The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program is expertly crafted to promote energy efficiency across various sectors by providing financial support for eligible renovation projects. Administered by NB Power as part of New Brunswick's energy savings initiatives, this program is designed not only to slash energy consumption but also to enhance the operational efficiency and commercial appeal of existing buildings.
The program is particularly advantageous for owners and operators of commercial and institutional buildings, as it enables them to tap into government-supported financial incentives. These can offset capital costs associated with energy-efficient upgrades, facilitating the adoption of modern technologies and methods. Such initiatives are crucial in the pathway towards reducing energy use and lowering utility costs, thereby boosting overall profitability and workplace comfort.
In terms of financial incentives, the program extends up to $8,000 towards energy audits, which help identify potential efficiency upgrades. For implementation, hefty subsidies of up to $1.25 million per project are available, depending on the scale and energy savings achieved. These incentives are structured to ensure that projects, which might otherwise be economically unfeasible, are brought within reach, encouraging comprehensive and impactful retrofits.
A wide array of energy-saving measures are eligible under the program, ranging from modern lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems to renewable energy solutions like solar or biomass. To qualify, these measures must be supported by recognized standards such as those from the Canadian Standards Association or the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, ensuring reliability and performance.
Furthermore, the program mandates that all projects undergo an ASHRAE Level II energy audit or equivalent feasibility study to precisely capture and leverage all potential efficiencies. Detailed audits provide insights into existing conditions, potential upgrades, and the associated return on investment, making them a critical component of the program. Projects must also be planned and executed within specified timelines to maintain eligibility for the incentives.
The importance of this program lies not only in the direct financial support it provides but also in fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible energy use. By supporting infrastructure improvements and the transition to more efficient systems, the program empowers businesses to take concrete steps toward environmental sustainability.
Moreover, participants gain access to NB Power's technical expertise and support, ensuring that they make informed decisions throughout the retrofit process. From the initial audit to final project implementation, the program is designed to streamline the transformation of New Brunswick's commercial building landscape into one that is greener and more sustainable.
The Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program is more than just a funding opportunity; it is a partnership between NB Power, the Government of Canada, and New Brunswick businesses, aimed at creating a legacy of energy efficiency that will yield economic and environmental benefits long into the future.