The need to conserve energy will continue to grow as energy costs increase as a result of the reduction of our known energy reserves. North Americans have been identified as the greatest per capita users of energy, and the greatest per capita producers of waste in the world. For the past ten years, the 'dishonor' of being the worst has passed back and forth between Canadians and Americans. In Canada, building construction, heating, cooling and maintenance accounts for more than one third of the energy used in the country. Building 'green' is inevitable... the only question is how green a building will need to be in the future in order to remain sustainable.
Can you explain the LEED™ Building Rating System?
Does a Green project cost more?
Are there any funds available to help finance my Green house?
Are there any funds available to help finance my Green business?
The Federal government long ago recognized that businesses and industry are large users of energy and that they have greater financial incentives to reduce their energy use. As a result, many of the funding programs currently in place cater to these larger energy users. Natural Resources Canada is one of the primary managers of these programs, many of which are administered by local utilities and consulting firms.
The Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) and the Industrial Building Incentive Programs (IBIP) are two federally-funded programs meant to encourage the development and construction of sustainable commercial, institutional and industrial buildings in order to reduce Canada's overall energy consumption. Both programs offer grants worth double the value of the energy saving in the first year of operation, up to a maximum of $60,000 for commercial projects reducing building energy use and $80,000 for Industrial projects utilizing a mix of process and building energy savings. In both cases, the building must use at least 25% less energy than required by the Model National Energy Code for Building (MNECB).
There are several other funding programs available for new and existing buildings. Lapointe Architects is experienced with and has participated in the application process for a variety of these programs and we can help you take advantage of the funding available, whether for a commercial property or a large industrial building.