Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP)

What is the Program?

The Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP) is part of Canada’s broader Green Buildings Strategy, aimed at decarbonizing affordable housing clusters through innovative and cost-effective energy retrofits. The program leverages the Energiesprong model, which has been successful in Europe, to significantly improve the energy performance of homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The GNPP focuses on transforming neighbourhoods with high concentrations of affordable housing into energy-efficient, low-carbon communities.

How Does it Work?

The GNPP works through a series of well-coordinated steps:

• Energiesprong Model: The program uses the Energiesprong approach, which aggregates similar homes in a neighbourhood for collective retrofitting. This model allows for economies of scale, making deep energy retrofits more cost-effective and efficient.
• Prefabricated Panels: One of the key innovations is the use of prefabricated exterior panels that can be quickly installed over existing buildings. This method reduces on-site labour, minimizes disruption to residents, and significantly cuts down on retrofit time.
• Integrated Systems: The retrofits include integrated energy systems, such as high-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, as well as renewable energy installations like solar panels.
• Community Collaboration: The program involves collaboration between municipalities, housing providers, community organizations, and residents to identify suitable neighbourhoods and plan the retrofit projects.
• Funding and Support: Natural Resources Canada provides funding, technical support, and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. This includes initial assessments, project planning, implementation, and post-retrofit evaluations.

How Can People Access the Program?

Accessing the GNPP involves several steps for targeted neighborhoods:

1. Identification and Application: Municipalities, housing providers, and community organizations identify clusters of homes suitable for the program and apply through the official channels provided by Natural Resources Canada. Applications must detail the proposed retrofits, expected outcomes, and community engagement plans.
2. Assessment and Approval: Proposals are assessed based on their feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with the program’s goals. Approved projects receive funding and technical support to proceed with the retrofits.
3. Implementation: Once approved, the retrofits are implemented using the Energiesprong model. Prefabricated panels and integrated energy systems are installed, with ongoing support and oversight from Natural Resources Canada.
4. Post-Retrofit Monitoring: After completion, the energy performance of the retrofitted homes is monitored to ensure the expected energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions are achieved.

What is the Government Aiming to Achieve?

The primary objectives of the GNPP are:

• Large-Scale Energy Retrofits: Achieve significant energy savings by retrofitting entire neighborhoods rather than individual homes.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the Energiesprong model in the Canadian context, making large-scale retrofits financially viable.
• Greenhouse Gas Reductions: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector by improving the energy efficiency of existing affordable housing.
• Enhanced Living Conditions: Improve the comfort and living conditions for residents of affordable housing through energy-efficient retrofits.
• Scalability: Develop a replicable model that can be scaled up across Canada, facilitating widespread adoption of deep energy retrofits.

How is Success Measured?

The success of the GNPP is measured through several key indicators:

• Energy Savings: The overall reduction in energy consumption achieved by the retrofitted homes, aiming for at least a 50% decrease.
• Retrofit Completions: The number of homes and neighborhoods successfully retrofitted under the program.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced as a result of the retrofits.
• Resident Satisfaction: Improvements in the comfort and satisfaction of residents living in retrofitted homes.
• Scalability and Replicability: The ability to replicate the Energiesprong model across different regions and housing types in Canada, demonstrating its effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

By focusing on these metrics, the GNPP aims to transform Canadian neighbourhoods into energy-efficient, sustainable communities, providing a blueprint for large-scale retrofitting projects nationwide.

On July 16, 2024, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, unveiled Canada’s first Green Buildings Strategy.

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