Green Freight Program — Assess and Retrofit
Canada
Empower fleets to reduce emissions and fuel consumption through assessments, retrofits, and low-carbon vehicle purchases
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 12, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2027
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Transportation and warehousing
grant_single|grantors
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Green Freight Program aims to help fleets reduce their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by offering funding incentives through two key streams. Stream 1, which is currently open, provides grants for Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessments and Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofits, covering up to 50% of costs, with a maximum of $250,000 per applicant. Stream 2, which is now closed for proposals, offered contributions towards fuel switching, engine repowers, and alternative low carbon fuel purchases, with a cap of $5 million per project.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible companies must be operating within Canada to apply for this grant. This geographical limitation ensures that the funding supports local entities to enhance their energy efficiency capabilities.
- All provinces and territories within Canada.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and vehicle fleet.
- Only entities operating in Canada are eligible to apply.
- Eligible entities include companies, industry associations, research associations, standards organizations, Indigenous and community groups, Canadian academic institutions, and various levels of government or their departments or agencies where applicable.
- The applicant must have one or more heavy-duty vehicles for business use in their fleet that is licensed and insured to operate in Canada.
- Softwood lumber companies and those vertically integrated with softwood lumber companies are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible for the Green Freight Program's Stream 1, Applicants must be entities operating in Canada and include companies, industry associations, research associations, standards organizations, Indigenous and community groups, Canadian academic institutions, and government bodies at various levels. They must have one or more licensed and insured heavy-duty vehicles in their fleet for business use. Softwood lumber companies and those integrated with such are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant has specific exclusions for certain companies related to their industry association. These restrictions help to direct funding towards companies that align with the program's objectives.
- Softwood lumber companies.
- Companies vertically integrated with softwood lumber companies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Green Freight Program's Stream 1 offers financial support aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in the on-road freight transportation sector. The funding activities are designed to assist applicants in conducting energy assessments and implementing fuel-saving retrofit solutions.
- Conducting Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessments to explore fleet retrofits and logistical best practices.
- Installing new fuel-saving equipment retrofits on trucks and trailers as recommended by a Fleet Energy Assessment.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses under Stream 1 of the Green Freight Program include costs associated with third-party fleet energy assessments and specific truck/trailer equipment retrofits.
- Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessment costs, up to 50% funding.
- Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofits for outlined devices, with varying funding contributions:
- Aerodynamics Retrofit Devices (e.g., Boat Tail, Trailer Fairings) - 50% up to specified maximum grant amounts.
- Anti-idling Retrofit Devices (e.g., Cab Heater, Cab Cooler) - 50% up to specified maximum grant amounts.
- Auxiliary Power Units (e.g., Diesel/conventional, Electric APU) - 50% up to $10,000 per device.
- Tires Retrofits (e.g., Low rolling resistant tires) - 20% to 30% up to specified maximum amounts.
- Other Devices (e.g., Diesel-electric refrigeration units, Telematics device) - 50% up to specified maximum amounts.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Identify Funding Activities
- Determine whether you are applying for a Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessment Grant, Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofit Grant, or both.
- Step 2: Review Eligibility
- Ensure that your entity and vehicle(s) meet all eligibility criteria.
- Step 3: Prepare Fleet Energy Assessment
- Purchase and complete a third-party Fleet Energy Assessment that aligns with NRCan’s Assessment Criteria if applying for a Retrofit Grant.
- Step 4: Obtain Application Form
- Email freightassessment-evaluationdeflotte@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca to request the application form for the desired grant type.
- Step 5: Complete and Submit Application
- Fill out the Application Form thoroughly, ensuring it is signed by the Chief Financial Officer.
- Include all supporting documents, such as proof of vehicle registration, invoices, Fleet Energy Assessment report, and Device Purchase and Installation Table.
- Submit the signed and completed Grant Application Form along with all required documentation via email to freightassessment-evaluationdeflotte@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
- Step 6: Sign Grant Agreement
- Once your application is accepted, sign the Grant Agreement sent by NRCan.
- Email the signed agreement back to NRCan to finalize the grant process.
- Step 7: Receive Grant
- Upon completion of the above steps, receive the grant funds as per the agreement.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Green Freight Program outlines important conditions regarding the application process and eligibility criteria. It emphasizes procedural changes and crucial information for applicants to follow meticulously.
- Third-party entities cannot apply on behalf of companies for the GFP to ensure confidentiality and transparency.
- All forms and communications must be conducted by a representative of the applicant entity.
- Applications for Stream 1 are accepted on a continuous intake basis until March 31, 2027.
- NRCan reserves the right to amend the Applicant Guide with a three-month notice due to changing market conditions.
grant_single_labels|contact
freightassessment-evaluationdeflotte@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Green Freight Program: Enhancing Canada’s Freight Transportation Efficiency
The Green Freight Program: Stream 1 offers grant funding up to $250,000 to Canadian entities participating in Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessments and Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofits, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in the freight transport sector. This initiative, run continuously until March 31, 2027, aligns with Canada’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions while catering to diverse stakeholders, including businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies, all operating within Canada’s borders.
Detailed Overview of the Green Freight Program’s Stream 1 Implementation
The Green Freight Program is a vital component of Natural Resources Canada's efforts to bolster the energy efficiency of Canada's on-road freight transportation sector, which is critical in reducing environmental impacts and operational costs associated with freight operations. Stream 1 of this program has been tailored to address specific needs in the industry based on direct feedback and is designed to assist entities operating in Canada with hefty vehicular fleets that fall within the designated weight classes.
Through this initiative, eligible applicants, including companies, industry associations, and academic institutions, are provided financial backing to undertake comprehensive fleet energy assessments or invest in retrofitting their vehicles with advanced, approved devices aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency. This funding comes as a proactive measure to incentivize the adoption of technologies and practices that significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions across freight systems.
One of the two primary funding activities under this stream is the Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessment. This activity encourages applicants to collaborate with accredited third-party evaluators who conduct in-depth analyses of fleet performance and recommend strategic interventions through NRCan's Fleet Energy Assessment Checklist. These assessments are available in two tiers: a Basic Assessment, eligible for a grant covering up to 50% of costs (capped at $20,000), and an Enhanced Assessment, supporting more complex projects with a similar 50% coverage (up to $40,000). This tiered approach ensures that evaluations are customized to the scale and demands of each applicant's operations.
Secondly, the program heavily supports Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofits by offering grants to cover the cost of purchasing and installing fuel-saving devices as recommended by fleet assessments. Crucially, this ensures that investments in retrofits are strategic, data-driven, and aligned with the entity's operational objectives. A broad range of devices, including aerodynamic retrofits, anti-idling technologies, auxiliary power units, and specific types of tire systems, are listed as eligible under the program. The grant covers up to 50% of the costs per device, ensuring financial feasibility for stakeholders looking to implement innovative solutions.
Strategically, the Green Freight Program not only simplifies the intake and application process through a continuous intake model but also mandates a transparent and accountable funding process whereby applicants must disclose all co-funding sourced from federal, provincial, and private sectors. This ensures that cumulative government funding does not surpass regulatory limits, except in special cases where projects have indigenous affiliations or are managed by not-for-profit entities, allowing them full cost coverage.
The procedural aspect of securing funding through this program mandates that applicants identify their desired funding activity, confirm eligibility, conduct or commission required assessments, and proceed with the acquisition and installation of recommended devices. The entire process is anchored by NRCan’s commitment to confidentiality and conflict-free engagement, requiring communication to be led directly by representatives of the applicant entity.
In summary, this streamlined, feedback-driven program not only bolsters Canadian freight's environmental and economic efficiency but also opens pathways for robust national involvement in sustainable infrastructure. As the ecological impacts of freight transport grow increasingly significant, the Green Freight Program stands as a pivotal tool for fostering sustainable development across the sector, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of global environmental stewardship efforts.
