Retrofitting existing homes and buildings is a key climate challenge. But where will the money come from to pay for all these retrofits? Our recent study found that meeting Canada’s energy saving goals in new and existing housing would require more than $30B in additional investments in the residential sector alone.

Thankfully for Canadian municipalities, the FCM’s new $300M Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) program is now open for proposals. Designed by the Dunsky team, CEF offers funding for municipal initiatives to support homeowners in making their homes more energy efficient, climate friendly and resilient.

At Dunsky, we have seen firsthand the powerful impact that innovative financing tools can have in unlocking private capital to accelerate energy efficiency retrofits. For more than a decade, we have supported municipal governments, provincial and state agencies, and utilities throughout Canada and the US to advance industry-leading programs to finance energy efficiency retrofits.  

PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is one such mechanism, and a target of the CEF funds. Dunsky is Canada’s leading expert on PACE-type initiatives. We’re proud to have supported cities like Toronto and Edmonton in designing their initial PACE programs. In fact, our team has played a key role on clean energy financing programs like these across Canada and the U.S., working with government or utility clients in most Canadian provinces and some of the leading U.S. states.

CEF offers municipalities a unique opportunity to receive FCM support to help design and implement a PACE or on-bill financing program. Through grants, loans and other resources, municipalities can in turn provide financing to homeowners to make their homes more affordable, resilient, and climate-friendly.

Sound interesting, but not sure where to start? We have a team of experts dedicated to supporting municipalities on their CEF path… and beyond.  With FCM’s call for applications opening on June 30, now is the time take action and work with us to explore how FCM’s CEF program can help unlock energy efficiency retrofits in your community.