Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements for the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program?

To access rebates from the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program you are required to provide supporting documentation with your rebate application. Be sure to review the Rebate Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions for a complete list of invoice and supporting documentation requirements.

Supporting documentation requirements differ based on your rebate pathway, add-on rebates, and your building permit date.

Pre-registration Form

All applicants must upload a copy of the home’s building permit during pre-registration. In jurisdictions that do not require building permits, proof of the start of construction must be submitted (e.g. invoice for foundation work).

Post-construction Application

Energy Step Code Pathway

  • As-Built BC Energy Compliance Report; and
  • EnerGuide (N) Evaluation Homeowner Information Sheet for each individually modelled home or unit.
    • For Passive House certified homes, submit the Passive House Planning Package and a copy of the home’s Passive House certificate instead.

Heat Pump Pathway

  • Heat pump installation invoice;
  • Heat load calculation that meets the program-approved methodology (required if building permit is issued on or after April 1, 2022); and
  • If applying for the Energy Advisor Support Rebate, the As-Built BC Energy Compliance Report and EnerGuide (N) Evaluation Homeowner Information Sheet.

Heat pump installation invoices must meet these requirements:

  • All service invoices/receipts must indicate details of the work performed and the address where the work was performed.
  • The contractor’s company name, contact information (phone and/or email), address and GST number must be on the invoices.
  • The builder’s company name and contact information (phone and/or email) must be on the invoices.
  • All product purchase invoices/receipts must have the product’s make, model number, and purchase date.
  • All copies of invoices and documentation must be clear and legible.

For detailed documentation requirements by heat pump type see the sample invoices below.

Add-on Rebates

Energy Advisor Support Rebate

  • As-Built BC Energy Compliance Report; and
  • EnerGuide (N) Evaluation Homeowner Information Sheet for each individually modelled home or unit.
  • For Passive House certified homes, submit the Passive House Planning Package and a copy of the home’s Passive House certificate instead).

All-Electric Bonus Rebate (available only if building permit is issued from September 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022)

  • As-Built B.C. Energy Compliance Report. A Program Qualified Energy Advisor must complete the following sections:
    • Section B, Other Impacting Features, indicating that there is no fossil fuel connection or use in the home (i.e. no piping, meter, storage or associated equipment on the property); and
    • Section F, Other Energy Modelling Metrics, indicating that fossil fuel consumption is 0 GJ/year.
  • See the sample report for Section B and F requirements.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

My municipality is offering Energy Step Code rebates. Can I access both offers?

Yes, CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program rebates can be combined with municipal Energy Step Code-related offers.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

How do I verify the minimum BC Energy Step Code requirement in my municipality?

Prospective applicants should contact the planning and development department of the municipality where the home is being constructed to verify current and future requirements.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

I am building a new home in Fortis Electric’s service area. Can I participate in the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program?

No, at this time the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program is not available to homes built in FortisBC Electric territory. Homes must be built in BC Hydro’s or New West Electric’s electrical service area.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

Can I combine rebates from both ZEBx’s Near Zero program and the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction program?

No, CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program rebates cannot be combined with rebates from ZEBx’s Near Zero program.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

I’m building an eligible home. Can I apply for rebates for both the heat pump pathway and the Energy Step Code pathway?

No, applicants can only participate in and receive rebates for one pathway. You will be prompted to select a pathway when submitting your program application.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

I’m building a home with a natural gas appliance (eg. fireplace, cooktop, dryer, etc). Can I participate in the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program?

If your building permit was issued on or after April 1, 2022:

  • You can participate in the heat pump pathway if you install gas appliances. However, you cannot participate in the Energy Step Code pathway, which requires homes to be all electric (i.e. use electric primary and secondary space and water heating systems and appliances). A wood or solid fuel heating system (wood or pellet stove, insert or furnace) may be used for back-up heating.

If your building permit was issued from April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2022:

  • Yes, you can still participate in the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program, provided that all eligibility requirements are met. However, you will not be eligible for the All-Electric Bonus if you install gas appliances. This optional rebate is only available to builders who construct a home with no fossil fuel (e.g. natural gas, propane, oil) connection or use whatsoever.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

Are dual fuel ducted heat pumps eligible to receive a rebate through the heat pump pathway?

No, dual fuel ducted heat pumps are not eligible to receive CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program rebates. Secondary heating may include other electric systems or wood or solid fuel heating systems.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

I am building a new home with a natural gas or propane water heating system. Am I eligible for the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program?

Homes with natural gas or propane water heaters are limited to participating in the heat pump pathway and can only apply for an electric heat pump rebate for space heating and the optional Energy Advisor Support Rebate.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

I am building a new home with a [natural gas, propane, or wood] primary heating system. Am I eligible for the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program?

Homes that are not electrically space heated are limited to participating in the heat pump pathway and can only apply for an electric heat pump water heater rebate and the optional Energy Advisor Support Rebate.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

I am constructing a Part 3 building. Can I access rebates through the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program?

No, buildings must comply with Part 9 of the BC Building Code to participate in the CleanBC Better Homes New Construction Program. However, your Part 3 project may be eligible for the CleanBC Commercial New Construction Program. For more information, visit betterbuildingsbc.ca.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.

My home or building did not achieve the BC Energy Step Code step we were targeting. Can I still receive the Energy Step Code rebate?

If your home did not achieve the target step indicated on your pre-registration form, the rebate amount will be determined by the step achieved, given that a minimum of Step 3 was achieved and the home is compliant with applicable municipal BC Energy Step Code requirements.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.