• Not satisfied with your energy advisor or the EnerGuide home evaluation?

    Contact your energy advisor’s service organization to provide feedback on your experience. The service organization is responsible for managing its energy advisors, including providing technical support and ensuring Natural Resources Canada procedures are followed. The contact information for the service organization can be found on the program-qualified energy advisor database.


  • What are the costs of an EnerGuide home evaluation?

    The range of cost for EnerGuide home evaluations for new construction is broad and depends on many factors: Due to the many factors that affect the cost of an EnerGuide evaluation, we recommend contacting different energy advisors or service organizations in your areato obtain an accurate quote and to ensure that they are able to…


  • What are EnerGuide home evaluations and what are the benefits?

    An EnerGuide home evaluation for residential new construction is a comprehensive service designed by the federal government to help builders and developers understand how a home uses energy and what steps you can take to improve the building plans and construction process to maximize the energy efficiency of the home built. The service involves a…


  • How does the BC Energy Step Code compare to other green building labeling and certification programs: PassiveHouse, BUILTGREEN®, ENERGY STAR®, R2000, LEED

    Throughout British Columbia there are various green building labeling and certification programs available. In the past, many municipalities had adopted a particular building certification as a mandatory requirement for builders to obtain a building permit, such as:• BUILTGREEN®• ENERGYSTAR®• R2000• LEED• PassiveHouse The building and administrative requirements for each green building program vary and not all…


  • How do I apply for ENERGY STAR® certification?

    Certain building types can achieve ENERGY STAR certification. ENERGY STAR certified commercial and institutional buildings have a high level of energy performance and meet strict standards set by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). To qualify, you must do the following: For more information, visit NRCan’s guide on applying for ENERGY STAR certification in Canada.


  • What are the benefits of energy efficient buildings?

    Canada’s commercial building sector is a significant energy user and producer of carbon emissions. It includes a range of building types, including offices, hospitals, schools, and more. Buildings retrofitted to higher energy-efficiency standards provide multiple benefits to those who own and occupy them, including: Check out our resources for commercial buildings for more information. See…


  • What can I do if there are no Energy Advisors currently servicing my location?

    Try to connect with an Energy Advisor nearest to your city/town and ask if they’re willing to visit your location to conduct an energy evaluation. In addition, there are a number of energy upgrades and rebates available that do not require an energy evaluation: Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did…


  • Benefits of the EnerGuide Rating Service for REALTORS®

    As interest in energy efficiency upgrades increases, there is an increased demand for REALTORS® to have an understanding of the value of the EnerGuide rating system. This is an opportunity for real estate agents to build their brand and differentiate themselves amongst REALTORS. Understanding the energy efficient features of a home elevates conversations with prospective…


  • Should I get an EnerGuide label if I’m thinking of selling my home?

    If you’re thinking of selling your home, it might be the perfect time to get an EnerGuide evaluation. Home sellers pro-actively obtain EnerGuide ratings for their homes and display the rating online. If you reside in Metro Vancouver, you can post your label on Metro Vancouver’s RateOurHome.ca website and link it directly to your property…


  • Are there rebates for LED lights?

    Instant in-store rebates for LED lighting are offered seasonally to BC Hydro and FortisBC customers. Use our rebate search tool and selecting ‘Lighting’ to see if these rebates are currently available. Income-qualified households may be able to access LED lights and bulbs through the following free programs offered by FortisBC and BC Hydro: The Energy…