Community Buildings Retrofit

Overview of the Community Buildings Retrofit program:

The CBR initiative, administered through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), aims to optimize energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions in municipally or non-profit-owned community buildings. Funded by the federal government, this $167 million initiative supports feasibility studies and capital retrofitting projects for community-focused buildings like arenas, libraries, pools, and community centers. The program targets two key retrofit outcomes: (1) achieving at least a 30% GHG reduction through single-phase projects, or (2) reducing GHGs by 50% in 10 years and reaching “Best Practice Energy Targets” in 20 years through a staged Green Buildings Pathway. Support is available for feasibility studies that guide planning toward these goals and for capital retrofits, including phased multi-year implementation. CBR offers both grants and loans and provides capacity-building resources such as coaching, technical training, and peer networking. Funding can be stacked with other programs. Projects are evaluated based on environmental impact, implementation strategy, innovation, replicability, and community engagement. The program is open year-round until annual funds are allocated, with a multi-step application process involving eligibility checks, peer reviews, and final approval by FCM’s board. The initiative also promotes replication of best practices across communities and supports transition to fossil fuel-free operations, especially in climate zones 4–6 and higher.

Benefits of the Community Buildings Retrofit program:

• Up to 80% cost coverage with significant non-repayable grant components
• Reduces energy use, GHG emissions, and operating costs
• Encourages clean energy and fossil fuel phase-out
• Enhances building quality, indoor environment, and community use
• Supports long-term strategic planning via Green Buildings Pathway
• Builds internal capacity through training, coaching, and tools
• Encourages knowledge sharing and project replication across Canada
• Eligible for stacking with other funding programs

Eligibility criteria of the Community Buildings Retrofit program:

• Eligible Applicants:
• Canadian municipalities (except core LC3 cities)
• Indigenous communities
• Not-for-profits
• Municipal corporations
• Research institutions, NGOs, and private-sector partners (with municipal support)
• Eligible Buildings:
• Owned by municipalities or non-profits
• Deliver athletic, cultural, or community services
• Examples: arenas, libraries, recreation centers, art spaces, seniors' centers
• Eligible Projects:
• Feasibility Studies for planning toward 50% GHG reduction and energy targets
• GHG Impact Retrofits with 30%+ GHG reduction
• Green Buildings Pathway Retrofits aligned with long-term energy/GHG goals
• Additional Requirements:
• Projects must demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits
• Applicants must submit detailed applications with technical and financial documentation
• For capital projects, feasibility studies must be included