A house certified Novoclimat 2.0, an energetic transition program, could see its heating and electricity bill reduced by approximately 20% compared to that of a residence built according to the standards of the Quebec Building Code.
Here are the details;
Did you know that buying a new home and green renovation can lead to more advantageous mortgage financing? In addition, this type of construction or renovation allows for long-term savings in energy costs. The green housing offer is intended for owner-occupiers of four dwellings or less in Quebec and Ontario. This program applies to the acquisition of a new home certified Novoclimat 2.0, LEED Canada or Energy Star (in Ontario) and to renovations eligible for the Rénoclimat program. To benefit from it, all you have to do is apply for mortgage financing from a financial institution and obtain the certification required for your project.
What are the real benefits?
The green home offer includes a cash rebate of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new home and $500 for eligible renovations. Some insurers may also offer a discount on the home insurance premium. The program also allows members to make donations to Écohabitation through purchases made with their Visa Desjardins card. Some institutions give borrowers real benefits like 0.5% cash back for buying a home and 1% for renovations.
Savings on the energy bill
The green housing offer also allows owners to make savings resulting from better energy efficiency. An ecological house consumes less energy, among other things thanks to adequate insulation, appropriate sealing and high-efficiency appliances and heaters. In addition, an ecological home is beneficial for the health of its occupants: this type of construction or renovation offers a healthy environment, built with a selection of non-toxic materials. The use of wood, ceramic and natural finishes, as well as adequate ventilation, help avoid health problems related to humidity and dust.
Concrete actions for the environment
The green housing offer also aims to encourage owners to invest in green solutions to minimize their ecological footprint.
What about the costs associated with this type of construction?
Just as in standard constructions or renovations, it is the choice of materials that determines the costs. It will take a bit more shopping and comparison shopping to get the best value. It is difficult here to confirm that there would be savings to be made on construction, but obviously, in the medium and long term, the savings will be felt thanks to the reduction in energy costs. As we all know, the price of energy is constantly increasing and there is no indication that there will be decreases. Let's not rejoice too quickly about the fall in the price of fuel oil (heating oil). In my opinion, producers will know very well how to compensate for these lost profits by reducing production and creating scarcity. This will automatically create a price increase. When it comes to the price of electricity, we are all witnessing the increases. So, in the medium and long term, we will all benefit from building and renovating green.
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