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.

grant_single_labels|projects

Yes, there are eligible projects and activities mentioned for this grant:

Deep Energy Retrofit of 3 Residential Homes
Concordia University of Edmonton New Academic Building Envelope
Evaluating NZE/r MURB Design and impacts of large scale implementation on the utility grid

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligible applicants must be based in Alberta and can include various organizational types. Projects must also align with the Innovation Fund's objectives to reduce energy use and/or carbon emissions in buildings.

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
Municipal/regional governments in Alberta
Provincial government (Alberta only)

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are several types of companies eligible for the Innovation Fund grant. Eligible applicants include a variety of organizations based in Alberta or with Alberta operations.

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
Municipal/regional governments in Alberta
Provincial government (Alberta only)

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:

Individuals and private citizens. Projects initiated by individuals will require an organization as the Team Lead.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible projects can receive funding up to 70% of eligible labour costs up to a maximum of $300,000 to support the low-carbon innovation of a project.

Eligible labour costs (up to a maximum of $300,000)

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are Alberta, including municipal/regional governments, provincial government, and indigenous governing bodies within the province.

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
Municipal/regional governments in Alberta
Provincial government (Alberta only)

grant_single_labels|criteria

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.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Prepare your project proposal to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria and objectives of the Innovation Fund.
Step 2: Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
Step 3: Submit the EOI form to the SSRIA via the designated PDF submit feature before the deadline on August 9, 2024.
Step 4: Wait for the review of EOIs in August 2024.
Step 5: If invited, prepare and submit a Full Application between August 15 and September 15, 2024.
Step 6: Await the Full Application review and selection process, which will occur between September 15 and October 15, 2024.
Step 7: Notification to applicants and the signing of Funding Agreements by November 15, 2024.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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

grant_single_labels|contact

innovationfund@ssria.ca

Apply to this program

Innovation Fund: Accelerating Low-Carbon Building Solutions

Overview of the Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund aims to boost the adoption of innovative low-carbon solutions for a variety of building types in Alberta. By fostering industry-led collaboration, the fund will enhance Canada’s leadership in green building technologies and contribute to economic development.

Fund Objectives and Benefits

The Innovation Fund is designed with the mission to facilitate net-zero emissions in buildings by 2050. This includes minimizing both operational and embodied carbon. The fund accomplishes this by: - Supporting projects that integrate new clean technologies or design approaches, thereby reducing energy use and carbon emissions in building construction and operation. - Model, measure, and monitor these innovations to collect data on actual building performance. - Promote the growth of clean technology sector businesses active in green buildings while strengthening the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Approved applicants will gain numerous benefits, such as: - Valuable connections and experience with key industry influencers. - Access to independently analyzed performance data for their designs, technologies, products, or services. - Business support and advice, connections through the Business Growth Program, and opportunities to expand their market penetration. - A chance to grow their market share and gain exposure. - Funding to mitigate the risks associated with being a first mover on low-carbon building solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants

To qualify for the Innovation Fund, applicants must be based in Alberta and meet the following criteria: - 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. - Municipal or regional governments in Alberta. - Provincial government departments in Alberta. While individuals and private citizens may not apply directly, projects initiated by individuals require an organization to act as the Team Lead.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects should align with the Innovation Fund’s objectives and can encompass a range of building types and construction projects, whether new construction or retrofits. Projects must demonstrate innovative designs, technologies, products, or services that reduce the building’s energy use and/or carbon emissions. Innovation is considered in terms of the potential for application and replication in other buildings. Projects will also be evaluated for “co-benefits,” which may include economic and social advantages. Detailed evaluation criteria are provided in the Criterion Guide. To ensure the best chances of receiving funding, applicants are encouraged to contact SSRIA’s team to discuss their project’s objectives and confirm its eligibility.

Program Timeline

The call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) opens on July 8, 2024, and closes on August 9, 2024. The process includes several stages: - Review of EOIs will take place in August 2024. - Invitations to submit a Full Application will be sent out between August 15 and September 15, 2024. - Full Application review and selection will occur from September 15 to October 15, 2024. - Selected applicants will be notified, and funding agreements signed by November 15, 2024.

Funding and Support

Eligible projects can receive funding up to 70% of eligible labor costs, with a maximum grant amount of $300,000. Projects that significantly contribute to SSRIA objectives and require a larger scale and scope may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on available funds. In addition to financial support, funded projects benefit from: - Access to an extensive network of industry professionals and potential partners. - Business growth advice and support to improve market penetration. - Detailed performance data to validate the efficacy of innovative designs, technologies, products, or services.

Examples of Funded Projects

The SSRIA has successfully funded 20 clean technology projects across Alberta. Examples include: - **Deep Energy Retrofit of 3 Residential Homes**: Utilizes cutting-edge precision imaging technology via drones to design and manufacture prefabricated panels that are air-tight, super-insulated, and fully finished with insulation, windows, and siding. - **Concordia University of Edmonton New Academic Building Envelope**: Features high-performance vacuum insulated glazing with fiberglass-framed curtain walls to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy use. - **Evaluating NZE/r MURB Design and Impacts on the Utility Grid**: Focuses on multi-unit residential buildings using high-performance envelopes, dual-fuel combined space and hot water heating systems, air source heat pumps, and indoor air quality improvements while implementing community-level solar power generation. To see more examples, visit SSRIA’s Project Showcase.

Application Process

To apply, interested parties should submit an Expression of Interest using the form provided in the Application Guide. Ensure receipt confirmation via email to avoid submission issues. SSRIA also offers additional resources, including an Industry Salary Guide, Frequently Asked Questions, and an Information Session recording to aid applicants.

Final Thoughts

The Innovation Fund represents a significant opportunity for organizations in Alberta to lead the way in low-carbon building solutions. By supporting innovative projects that align with the fund's objectives, applicants can help pave the path towards net-zero emissions buildings by 2050, bolster the clean technology sector, and stimulate economic growth. With ample resources and support from SSRIA, the journey towards a greener future is both achievable and rewarding.