Written by Casey Clair, Energy & Climate Advocate
5-minute read
Struggling with the rising costs of construction?
Learn more about Efficiency Manitoba’s energy-saving rebates through the New Homes Program and New Buildings Program.
New Homes Program
The New Homes Program is designed to encourage the construction of new homes in Manitoba that are at least 20% more energy efficient than minimum building code requirements.
The program is open to homebuilders and those overseeing their own energy-efficient new home project.
For home builders, the New Homes Program’s Performance Path provides an opportunity to benchmark and prepare for incoming future building codes. It is estimated Manitoba will adopt a new building code in the next 12-18 months.
Performance Path rebates range from $1,500 – $12,000 depending on how much more energy efficient the home is when compared to the EnerGuide Reference House. You’ll work alongside an energy modeler who will assess your energy needs and create a home design based on the level of efficiency you desire. This Path offers the flexibility to use any materials, strategies, or equipment you choose in designing your new home.
So, if you haven’t started construction yet, check out the New Homes Program and save energy, money, and the environment for as long as you own your new home.
If you are interested in Net Zero, Passive House, or other energy-efficient designations, the Performance Path can help you achieve your goals.
Have questions? Get in touch with The Chamber’s Energy & Climate Advocate, Casey Clair to find out what benefits you get for your greener building.
Photo provided by Efficiency Manitoba
New Buildings Program
The New Buildings Program is for building owners who are designing, constructing, and operating new energy-efficient commercial buildings in Manitoba, whether it may be a completely new building – or an addition to an existing one – and want to receive rebates for achieved energy savings above the Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings (MECB).
This program offers two paths for financial incentives, an Energy Modelling Assistance Incentive (EMAI) and a Performance Path. Unlike the New Homes Program, however, the EMAI works as a first step toward completing the Performance Path.
The Energy Modelling Assistance Incentive focuses on energy modelling during the design stage of construction. Participants can receive up to $10,000 in rebates from Efficiency Manitoba. $5000 is paid out upon approval of the design energy model report and the rest upon completion of the Performance Path. Make sure to apply before your construction project’s tender date and before the project is issued a building permit!
The Performance Path encourages the design of new energy-efficient commercial buildings. This includes financial incentives of $0.50-$2.00 per square foot for new commercial buildings designed to be at least 5% more energy efficient than the minimum requirements of the MECB. Through this path, buildings that are designed 10% better than the MECB would receive energy efficiency certification from Efficiency Manitoba. Apply for the Performance Path within six months of issuing the building permit.
