You could get a $10,000 rebate when you build a home that uses 50% less thermal energy than one built to the 2015 National Building Code.
Apply for the rebate
- Contact a certified energy advisor and schedule a plan construction upgrade service. They will identify ways to meet the 50% thermal energy target.
- Build the home.
- Schedule a return visit with the advisor to confirm that the final build meets the target. The advisor will provide you with a thermal energy report and an energy label for your home
- Fill out the new home rebate application.
Attach:- thermal target report provided by the energy advisor; and
- occupancy permit.
- Submit your rebate package to the Energy Branch.
In person: 206A Lowe Street (across from Riverside Grocery), Whitehorse, Yukon. We are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Email: energy@gov.yk.ca
Mail:
Government of Yukon
Energy branch (EMR-206)
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
Changes to the rebate on April 1, 2020
On April 1, 2020, the rebate will change to 2 different offers for builders and homeowners:
- new homes that use 60 per cent less thermal energy than National Building Code (2015) specifications will be eligible for a $10,000 rebate.
- new homes that use 50 per cent less thermal energy than National Building Code (2015) specifications will be eligible for a $5,000 rebate. This is the current energy target but with a reduced rebate.
Homes with an occupancy permit dated before April 1, 2020 will continue to qualify under the current rebate program.
You can also qualify under the current rebate criteria if:
- you received a plan energy assessment by a certified energy advisor before June 1, 2019; and
- your occupancy permit date is before June 1, 2020.
Otherwise, if your occupancy permit date is on or after April 1, 2020, you will be evaluated according to the new rebate terms.
50% thermal energy target
The 50% thermal energy target means the home must use half the heating and hot water energy as the same home built to the current building code. This is a challenging but achievable goal. Ways to reduce thermal loads include:
- adjusting siting to maximize solar gains;
- increasing insulation levels;
- achieving very air-tight building envelope;
- upgrading, relocating or reducing windows; and
- installing a drain-water heat recovery.
What will it cost?
The cost to achieve the 50% thermal energy target are incremental and in most cases will be offset by the energy cost savings of the home over time. Incremental costs may include:
- updating build plans to include 50% thermal energy target;
- material costs associated with additional insulation if needed; and
- labour costs of additional insulation installation and detailing.
Incremental costs will be unique to each home. We recommend getting multiple quotes and following this guide to hiring a contractor for the construction of a new home.
What will I save?
The money you save in heating a super-insulated home will cover the incremental costs of building it. Super-insulated homes also tend to be more comfortable and quieter than standard homes.
Contact the Energy Branch to arrange a time to discuss your potential cost savings. Email us at energy@gov.yk.ca or phone 867-393-7063.