Novoclimat – Small multi-unit building

• For private small multi-unit buildings, financial assistance is provided per housing unit: $1,700 (three bedrooms or more), $1,350 (two bedrooms), $1,000 (one bedroom), $500 (one bedroom without kitchen or bathroom).
• For social housing buildings, enhanced assistance is provided per unit: $3,400 (three bedrooms or more), $2,700 (two bedrooms), $2,000 (one bedroom), $1,000 (one bedroom without kitchen or bathroom).
• Financial aid is granted after the building receives Novoclimat certification and is paid to the applicant within 10 weeks following submission of all required forms.

• The applicant can be any individual or organization (legal entity) acting as the project proponent for an eligible building.
• The project must involve a new small multi-unit residential building (such as a duplex, triplex, quadruplex, or a building with three floors or less and a maximum footprint of 600 m²).
• The building must be located in Quebec and south of the 51st parallel.
• The construction must be carried out by a general contractor certified by Novoclimat.
• The building must be registered with the Novoclimat program before construction begins.

Who is eligible?

• Property developers
• Real estate project promoters
• Certified construction contractors
• Organizations owning or managing multi-unit residential buildings
• Owners of private or social-purpose multi-unit residential buildings

Eligible expenses

• Construction costs related to achieving Novoclimat energy performance standards.
• Costs for certified Novoclimat contractor services.
• Expenses for certified ventilation specialist services.
• Inspection fees required by the program (including infiltrometry and mandatory site inspections).
• Architectural and mechanical plans required for program participation and assessment.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec, south of the 51st parallel

• Compliance with the requirements and conditions of the Novoclimat program during the preliminary and technical analysis of the plans and specifications.
• Conformance of the work with Novoclimat standards, verified during the various mandatory inspections throughout construction.
• Obtaining an official approval confirming that the building meets all Novoclimat criteria after the final assessment.

• Step 1: Register for the Program
  • Ensure the project is not yet underway; registration must occur before starting any work (e.g., demolition, excavation).
  • Complete the three required registration forms for the project.
  • Gather and attach architectural and mechanical documents related to the project.
  • If applicable, include the conditional commitment letter from the Société d’habitation du Québec for projects under AccèsLogis Québec or the Affordable Housing Program Québec.
  • Send the completed forms and documents by email to entrepreneur@novoclimat.ca.
  • Await a preliminary analysis of the project to confirm eligibility and compliance with the main program criteria and technical requirements.
  • Upon approval, receive confirmation of registration by email, after which you may begin project work.
• Step 2: Project Monitoring and Inspection
  • Engage a certified Novoclimat general contractor for construction and ensure ventilation is installed by a certified ventilation specialist.
  • Participate in an initial project kick-off meeting with the assigned evaluation advisor.
  • Schedule and undergo three mandatory inspections during construction:
  • "P" Inspection: Foundation insulation inspection before the slab is poured.
  • "A" Inspection: Visual inspection and blower door test after insulation/air sealing and before interior/exterior finishes.
  • "B" Inspection: Final inspection, balancing report, and end-of-work visual inspection before building occupation.
  • Fill out the inspection form as needed to arrange advisor visits.
• Step 3: Certification and Financial Assistance
  • Once all construction work and inspections are complete, fill out the certification form to apply for Novoclimat certification.
  • The Ministry reviews the project to ensure full compliance with all program requirements.
  • Upon successful certification, the approved financial assistance is issued to the applicant within 10 weeks after submitting the completed forms.

• Financial assistance from Novoclimat can accelerate the return on investment due to ongoing energy savings.
• The grant amounts differ depending on whether the building is private or has a social purpose.
• Other provincial, federal, energy distributor, and municipal grants may be available in addition to Novoclimat funding.
• Documentation requirements vary for buildings enrolled in additional social housing programs.