Affordable Housing Energy Retrofit Program now open

The Trust is working with the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and BC Housing to deliver the program.

by Keith Powell — May 29, 2017

Upgrading roof insulation is a good example of an energy retrofit that will help save money on heating costs and improve the comfort level of a home. — Photo courtesy CBT

(Columbia Basin) – The first intake of Columbia Basin Trust’s new Energy Retrofit Program is now open. The Trust announced the new program in March with a $2-million commitment to help provide energy conservation upgrades for affordable housing in the Basin.

The Energy Retrofit Program will enable non-profit organizations that operate affordable housing units to pay for retrofits with Trust-funded grants, perform energy assessments, and access existing rebates and other retrofit programs. Energy retrofits include activities like improving or replacing boilers, hot water heaters, lighting, insulation and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

“The retrofits will enhance the quality and sustainability of existing affordable housing by lowering operating costs, improving comfort level with more efficient heating systems and climate control, and assisting with long-term management of the buildings,” said Mark Brunton, Manager, Housing, at Columbia Basin Trust. “The program is specifically targeting retrofits that will have a high return on investment to ensure significant financial benefit for non-profit organizations.”

The Trust is working with the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and BC Housing to deliver the program. BC Non-Profit Housing Association is accepting the applications and administering the program, and BC Housing will be administering the grants.

The deadline for applications is June 30, 2017. To learn more and access the application form, visit ourtrust.org/energyretrofit. There will be a second intake in 2018.

Residents told the Trust that affordable housing, energy conservation and supporting non-profits were priorities for them; this new program addresses all three. Learn more about the Trust’s work in housing at ourtrust.org/housing.

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.