What is the CMHC Green Home program?

The CMHC Green Home program offers a partial refund (up to 25%) on your CMHC mortgage insurance premium when you buy or build an energy-efficient home. To qualify, the home must meet specific energy efficiency standards — either EnerGuide 82+, ENERGY STAR, R-2000, or LEED certification. The refund can save you $1,000–$6,000+ depending on the size of your mortgage and the insurance premium.

How much can I save with the CMHC Green Home refund?

The CMHC Green Home premium refund is up to 25% of the mortgage insurance premium. For example, on a $500,000 mortgage with 5% down and a 4.0% CMHC premium ($20,000), the 25% refund would be $5,000. The actual refund depends on the level of energy efficiency achieved.

Do I have to pay CMHC insurance to get the Green Home refund?

Yes. The Green Home program is a refund on your CMHC mortgage insurance premium, so you must have a CMHC-insured mortgage (less than 20% down payment). If you put 20% or more down, you do not pay CMHC insurance and this program does not apply.

What energy efficiency rating do I need for the CMHC Green Home refund?

The home must meet one of the following standards: EnerGuide rating of 82 or higher (for a 15% refund) or 86+ (for a 25% refund), ENERGY STAR for New Homes certification, R-2000 certification, or LEED Home certification. An EnerGuide evaluation must be conducted by a licensed energy advisor.

Is the Canada Greener Homes Grant still available?

The Canada Greener Homes Grant program closed to new applications in 2024. However, the Canada Greener Homes Loan (interest-free loan up to $40,000) remained available through participating lenders for eligible energy-efficient renovations. Check Natural Resources Canada website for current program status.

CMHC Green Home Program 2026: Premium Refund & Energy-Efficient Incentives

Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t just lower your utility bills — it can also save you money on your mortgage through CMHC premium refunds, government incentive programs, and better property value. Here’s every financial incentive available in 2026.

CMHC Green Home premium refund

The CMHC Green Home program refunds a portion of your mortgage insurance premium when your home meets energy efficiency standards.

How it works

Step	Details
1. Buy or build an energy-efficient home	Must be CMHC-insured (less than 20% down)
2. Get an EnerGuide evaluation	Licensed energy advisor assesses the home
3. Meet the energy threshold	EnerGuide 82+ (15% refund) or 86+ (25% refund)
4. Submit to CMHC	Your lender submits the EnerGuide report and application
5. Receive your refund	CMHC refunds a portion of your insurance premium

Refund amounts

EnerGuide Rating	Premium Refund	Example on $500K Mortgage (5% Down)
82–85	15%	$3,000
86+	25%	$5,000
ENERGY STAR / R-2000 / LEED	25%	$5,000

How much the premium refund saves you

Mortgage Amount	Down Payment	CMHC Premium (4.0%)	25% Refund
$400,000	5% ($21,053)	$16,000	$4,000
$500,000	5% ($26,316)	$20,000	$5,000
$600,000	10% ($66,667)	$18,600	$4,650
$700,000	10% ($77,778)	$21,700	$5,425

CMHC premium rates (for reference)

Down Payment	CMHC Premium Rate
5%–9.99%	4.00%
10%–14.99%	3.10%
15%–19.99%	2.80%

Who qualifies

Requirement	Details
Mortgage type	CMHC-insured (down payment under 20%)
Property type	New build or existing home that meets standards
Certification	EnerGuide evaluation by licensed advisor, or recognized certification
Application deadline	Within 24 months of mortgage funding

Canada Greener Homes Loan

Feature	Details
What it is	Interest-free loan for energy-efficient home improvements
Amount	Up to $40,000
Interest rate	0%
Repayment term	Up to 10 years
Eligible improvements	Insulation, windows, heat pumps, solar panels, EV charging
Requirement	Pre- and post-renovation EnerGuide evaluation

Eligible improvements

Improvement	Typical Cost	Typical Energy Savings
Air source heat pump	$5,000–$15,000	30%–50% reduction in heating costs
Ground source (geothermal) heat pump	$20,000–$40,000	50%–70% reduction in heating costs
Attic insulation	$1,500–$4,000	10%–20% reduction in heating costs
Basement insulation	$3,000–$8,000	10%–15% reduction in heating costs
Windows and doors	$5,000–$20,000	10%–20% reduction in heating costs
Solar panels	$15,000–$30,000	30%–100% reduction in electricity costs
Drain water heat recovery	$500–$1,500	Reduces hot water costs
EV charger installation	$1,500–$3,000	Enables electric vehicle charging

Provincial and municipal incentives

Province	Program	Details
Ontario	Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate	Up to $5,000 for insulation, air sealing, and windows
BC	CleanBC Better Homes	Rebates for heat pumps ($3,000–$6,000), insulation, windows
Quebec	Rénoclimat	Rebates for energy improvements; up to $20,000
Alberta	Clean Energy Improvement Program	On-bill financing for solar, insulation, heat pumps
Nova Scotia	HomeWarming	Free upgrades for low-income homeowners
Manitoba	Efficiency Manitoba	Rebates for insulation, heating, and appliances
New Brunswick	Total Home Energy Savings	Rebates for insulation and heating upgrades
Saskatchewan	SaskEnergy	Rebates for high-efficiency furnaces and insulation

Programs change frequently. Check your province’s energy efficiency program website for current availability and amounts.

How energy efficiency affects home value

Factor	Impact
EnerGuide rating	Homes with higher ratings sell for 2%–6% more in some markets
Solar panels	Increase home value by $10,000–$20,000 (varies by market)
Heat pump	Increasingly valued as buyers seek lower operating costs
Energy audit documentation	Provides buyers with confidence in the home’s efficiency
Utility cost savings	Lower monthly costs make the home more affordable to buyers

Making the financial case

New home purchase (CMHC refund)

Factor	Standard Home	Energy-Efficient Home
Purchase price	$550,000	$565,000 (+$15,000 for upgrades)
CMHC premium (5% down)	$20,900	$21,470
CMHC Green Home refund	$0	-$5,367
Annual utility savings	$3,600	$2,400 (saves $1,200/year)
10-year utility savings	$0	$12,000
Net cost of efficiency	—	$15,000 − $5,367 − $12,000 = −$2,367 (you come out ahead)

Existing home renovation (Greener Homes Loan)

Factor	Value
Heat pump installation	$12,000
Greener Homes Loan (0%)	$12,000 over 10 years = $100/month
Heating cost reduction	$150/month
Net monthly benefit	+$50/month from day one