New Programs to Enhance Affordable Housing, Support Climate Change Goals
Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources and Renewables, Environment and Climate Change
The Province is investing $21.9 million in a suite of new and expanded sustainable development and energy efficiency programs that will support net-zero construction and the affordable housing sector.
In collaboration with EfficiencyOne and other key partners, the Province is introducing two major programs – and strengthening two others – to help build affordable, green housing.
“The buildings we plan, design and construct today will shape our future. To meet our efficiency goals and increase the housing supply, we are building affordable, accessible, comfortable homes for Nova Scotians today and in the future. As we work towards our net-zero targets, we must prepare the building sector,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These investments will help us build more energy-efficient buildings, increasing the supply of homes for people who need them, and contribute to protecting our environment for generations to come.”
The new programs are:
- the Affordable Rental Construction pilot (ARC), which will provide financial incentives to private and non-profit developers to build new net-zero or net-zero ready affordable housing. It aims to improve the financial viability of net-zero ready housing projects, reduce the operation and maintenance costs, and increase building quality and resilience.
- the New Home Research Project, to be launched by EfficiencyOne. It will offer energy efficiency evaluations, at no charge, for new homes built outside of Halifax Regional Municipality. The program will work with builders to collect data on building energy efficient homes, and builders will receive education to help them improve their work.
The Province is also:
- topping up EfficiencyOne’s existing Affordable Multifamily Housing Program, which funds affordable housing providers’ energy efficiency improvements, including windows, insulation and heating. As part of the program, housing providers must commit to long-term affordable rent.
- funding the Building to Zero Exchange initiative to deliver training on the 2020 National Building Code of Canada. This training will empower the building sector to retrofit and construct net-zero buildings, supporting the Province’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Read the full media release at:
New Programs to Enhance Affordable Housing, Support Climate Change Goals