This text is part of the special Energies notebook
With mortgage interest rates refusing to go down and a low number of properties for sale, some homeowners prefer to renovate rather than move. In a context where material costs remain high, government programs and numerous subsidies for energy-efficient renovations are more relevant than ever. Overview which can save a lot.
According to a recent survey carried out by Réno-Assistance and the APCHQ, it is estimated that 66% of Quebec homeowners plan to carry out renovation work estimated at more than $5,000 in the next three years. Rénoclimat, Chauffez vert, Éconologis, LogisVert, Canadian Grant for Greener Homes, Canada Loan for Greener Homes, the list of programs offering subsidies is long, and it is easy to get lost.
More generally, all these initiatives are part of an effort to raise awareness of climate challenges: “The programs encourage people to move in one direction. And as people run after the word “subsidy”, this is how we make them aware of technical solutions to improve comfort and [répondre] climate challenges,” explains Emmanuel Cosgrove, co-founder of Écohabitation, an independent organization that supports professionals and individuals in sustainable projects. Whether for basic energy improvements (airtightness, windows, etc.) or equipment (thermal accumulator, induction cooker, etc.), raising awareness without programs and subsidies remains a real challenge, believes this last.
Requirements to respect
Although attractive, with promises of assistance of several thousand dollars, not all projects and buildings are eligible, and a well-defined, sometimes complex framework guides consumers’ choice. “The limits of these programs are defined by their scopes, for example when these programs limit the number of floors that the building must have to qualify for the program. These limits are established in order to target the clientele targeted by the program,” explains Frédéric Fournier, communications advisor and regional spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to validate the conformity of your project upstream, but Mr. Fournier is reassuring: “The financial assistance offered within the framework of the various residential programs aims to promote energy efficiency and contribute to the energy transition. However, these do not have the effect of being binding like a standard or a law and are based on voluntary participation. »
Follow the trend
The programs of the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks are constantly evolving in order to take into account market needs, as Frédéric Fournier recalls: “For example, recently , modifications were made to the Rénoclimat program to take into consideration the energy-efficient renovation market, the end of the Canada Greener Homes Grant as well as the entry into force of Hydro-Québec’s new LogisVert program. Moreover, we work closely with the various stakeholders in the market, in particular with Hydro-Québec, to ensure the complementarity of our programs and facilitate participation for citizens. »
However, we must be vigilant when we wish to take advantage of the “complementarity” of the numerous programs to maximize financial assistance and savings since some are simply not compatible. For example, when you participate in the LogisVert program, no other request for financial assistance for the same equipment can be submitted to a government agency. This also requires some mathematical effort: using the various online calculation tools, we see that a claim to Rénoclimat (provincial) can be more or less profitable than the same claim to LogisVert (Hydro-Québec).
Positive for local businesses
On the side of entrepreneurs, such incentives have a real impact on the ground: “These programs really encourage people to carry out renovations and even in a more uncertain economic context, since this type of assistance fills a gap in their budget for some. for something that is often an obligation. In a more favorable economic context, demand would certainly be stronger, but we are still seeing an increase in quote requests,” recognizes David Aubert, president and CEO of Isothermic, a high-end energy-efficient window and door company. range made in Quebec. Energy Star certified, these products are eligible for a subsidy of up to $5,000 thanks to the Rénoclimat program.
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This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.