How much funding can be received?

The Innovation Fund, supporting SSRIA’s mission, aims to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions in buildings by funding innovative projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in construction and operations. Eligible activities include integrating new clean technologies or design approaches in new or retrofitted buildings, with a focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The fund is open to various Alberta-based or federally incorporated organizations, including commercial enterprises, non-profits, and Indigenous governing bodies.

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This grant is specifically available for organizations and projects based in Alberta, Canada, as defined by the funding body's regional requirements. The target areas ensure the promotion and adoption of low-carbon solutions within the specified locale.

Organizations incorporated in Alberta or federally registered with operations in Alberta.
Municipal or regional governments located within Alberta.
Indigenous governing bodies within the Alberta region.
Provincial government entities specific to Alberta.

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and location of operations.

The applicant must be a commercial or for-profit organization incorporated in Alberta or federally with operations in Alberta.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations and registered charities must be incorporated in Alberta or federally with operations in Alberta.
Indigenous governing bodies are eligible to apply.
Municipal or regional governments in Alberta are eligible.
The provincial government of Alberta is eligible to apply.
Applicants can submit more than one project, provided each project occurs in a different building.
Projects must align with the Innovation Fund objectives and demonstrate innovative designs, technologies, products, or services that reduce energy use or carbon emissions.

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Eligible applicants for the Innovation Fund include commercial and for-profit organizations incorporated in Alberta or federally (with Alberta operations), not-for-profit organizations and registered charities incorporated in Alberta or federally (with Alberta operations), Indigenous governing bodies, and municipal/regional governments in Alberta. Additionally, the provincial government (Alberta only) is also eligible to apply. Individuals and private citizens, however, are not eligible and require an organization as the Team Lead for projects initiated by them.

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This grant excludes certain individuals due to their status. The restrictions ensure that funds are directed to eligible organizations.

Individuals and private citizens not associated with an eligible organization.

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The Innovation Fund supports projects that aim to demonstrate innovative low-carbon solutions within the building sector in Alberta. These initiatives are crucial in paving the way towards net zero emissions by 2050, focusing on integrating clean technologies and sustainable design practices.

Projects demonstrating innovative designs, technologies, products, or services that reduce GHG emissions in building construction and operation.
New construction or retrofit projects employing innovative techniques for energy and carbon reduction.
Initiatives that model, measure, monitor, analyze, and report on actual building performance results.
Projects that contribute co-benefits, including economic and social impacts.

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The Innovation Fund grant can cover eligible labour expenses related to low-carbon innovation in approved building projects.

Eligible labour costs associated with the low-carbon innovation project.

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The grant has evaluation and selection criteria to ensure projects align with the Innovation Fund's objectives of reducing GHG emissions and promoting innovative low-carbon solutions for buildings. Projects will be evaluated on their potential to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, integration of clean technologies, ability to model and report performance, and additional economic and social benefits.

Alignment with Innovation Fund objectives: Path to net zero emissions by 2050, including operational and embodied carbon.
Integration of new clean technologies or design approaches that support energy and carbon reductions in building construction and operations.
Ability to model, measure, monitor, analyze, and report on results from actual building performance.
Potential to grow clean technology sector businesses active in green buildings.
Enhancement of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.
Inclusion of economic and social co-benefits.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
- Ensure your organization and project meet the eligibility criteria outlined for the Innovation Fund.
- Consider factors such as location, organizational type, and project objectives.
Step 2: Prepare Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Draft a concise description of your organization and your proposed project, focusing on innovation and alignment with the Innovation Fund's objectives.
- Highlight the potential impact on greenhouse gas reduction and scalability of the project.
Step 3: Complete the Expression of Interest Form
- Fill out the required EOI form provided by SSRIA.
- Ensure all necessary project details and contact information are accurately entered.
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest
- Submit the completed EOI form via the designated submission method before the deadline of August 9, 2024.
- Ensure you receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your submission.
Step 5: Await Feedback and Invitation
- Wait for SSRIA to review submissions and provide feedback or an invitation for a full application if your EOI is shortlisted.
Step 6: Prepare Full Application (if invited)
- Gather detailed documentation required for the full application, including financials, project plans, and supporting documents.
- Emphasize innovative aspects and alignment with SSRIA's goals in your full proposal.
Step 7: Submit Full Application
- Submit the comprehensive application by the deadline stipulated in the invitation (August 15 to September 15, 2024).
Step 8: Notification and Agreement
- Receive notification of application outcome by November 15, 2024.
- If approved, sign the Funding Agreement to proceed with project funding.

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The Innovation Fund offers significant opportunities for Alberta-based projects to secure funding for low-carbon building innovations. It provides various resources and support to guide applicants through the submission process.

Support available up to 70% of eligible labour costs.
Maximum funding of $300,000 per project.
Relevant documents include Criterion Guide, Application Guide, Expression of Interest Form, Industry Salary Guide, Frequently Asked Questions, and Information Session (recording).
Past projects are showcased in SSRIA's Project Showcase.
Ensure to receive a confirmation email upon EOI submission due to possible PDF submission issues.
Contact details: innovationfund@ssria.ca

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innovationfund@ssria.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Innovative Low-Carbon Building Solutions

The Innovation Fund accelerates the adoption of low-carbon solutions for buildings by offering financial support and resources to eligible projects in Alberta. It aims to showcase Canadian leadership in the integration of clean technologies across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction sectors, driving both economic development and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

A Detailed Overview of the Innovation Fund and Its Strategic Significance

The Innovation Fund, spearheaded by the SSRIA, is a grant initiative focused on propelling the construction industry towards a future of net zero emissions by 2050. At its core, the fund seeks to support projects that explore and demonstrate new clean technologies or design techniques capable of reducing both operational and embodied carbon in buildings—whether through new construction or retrofitting existing structures. This focus on adaptability and broader applicability ensures that the innovations can be replicated across various projects, amplifying their impact on emission reductions.

Eligible projects receive funding for specific, innovative components that demonstrate efficiency in design, technology, product, or service applications, which are essential for reducing a building’s energy use or its carbon footprint. With up to $300,000 in funding available per project to cover eligible labor costs, this fund eases the financial burden of adopting groundbreaking solutions, ultimately promoting widespread adoption of sustainable building practices within the industry.

Besides financial assistance, the Innovation Fund integrates comprehensive business support, offering valuable connections and real-world performance data evaluated by third-party analysts. This aspect not only bolsters the credibility of the innovative solutions being implemented but also aids in market expansion through the SSRIA's Business Growth Program, providing an effective platform for market penetration and exposure. Furthermore, being a part of this initiative provides approved applicants with a network of key influencers and partners, fostering a collaborative environment essential for pioneering advancements in the AEC sector.

The program's robust timeline commences with a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) between July 8 and August 9, 2024, followed by a thorough review process. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full applications for further evaluation, with final selections being completed by mid-October. By November 15, 2024, chosen projects will be notified, and funding agreements formalized, paving the way for these projects to make a substantial contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of the building industry.

Prompted by a history of successful projects, the Innovation Fund has played a pivotal role in advancing Alberta's clean technology sector, with SSRIA's showcase featuring projects that integrate high-performance glazing solutions and deep energy retrofits, among others. The fund underscores an ambition to not only generate economic growth within the sector but to ensure that it aligns with environmental objectives, addressing social benefits such as community health and resilience against climate impacts.

This proactive approach places the Innovation Fund at the intersection of technology and ecological stewardship, championing projects that, through innovative execution, contribute tangibly to automated data collection, improved air quality, and substantial energy savings, thereby reshaping the landscape of building practices in Alberta.