CMHC encourages the development of more energy-efficient homes by making eligible a broader range of home building programs. Homes built under the following programs qualify for a 10 per cent premium refund and extended amortization periods without a premium surcharge when CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance is used to finance their purchase or construction. For example, this can add up to savings of $1,688 for a typical $250,000 mortgage with a 5 per cent down payment amortized over 35 years.

• GreenHouse™ Ontario
  http://www.greenhousecertified.ca/
• GreenHome™ and Super GreenHome™ Yukon
  http://www.housing.yk.ca
• Built Green™ Gold Label Homes Alberta
  http://www.builtgreenalberta.com/
  (Note: Silver and Bronze label homes are only eligible if they receive an EnerGuide evaluation indicating they meet CMHC’s minimum score of 77)
• Built Green™ BC Gold Label Homes British Columbia
  http://www.chbabc.org/content.php?id=504
  (Note: Silver and Bronze label homes are only eligible if they receive an EnerGuide evaluation indicating they meet CMHC’s minimum score of 77)
• Novoclimat^MC Quebec
  http://www.aee.gouv.qc.ca/mon-habitation/novoclimat/
• ENERGY STAR^® Ontario
  http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/energystar-energuide-r2000.cfm?attr=4
• Power Smart™ Manitoba
  http://www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/small_changes_add_up/index.shtml?WT.mc_id=2807
• ENERGY STAR^® for New Homes Saskatchewan
  http://www.energystarsask.ca/
• Power Smart New Homes British Columbia
  http://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/
• LEED Canada For Homes (EGH 77+) National
  http://www.cagbc.org/leed/what/index.php
• R-2000 National
  http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/new-homes/r-2000/About-r-2000.cfm?attr=4

Other energy-efficient homes can also qualify

If the home you are purchasing or building does not belong to one of these programs, it may still be eligible. Homes that have an NRCan energy efficiency rating of 77 (on or after July 27, 2005) or above also qualify. Visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca/buildings to find out how to obtain a home energy evaluation and rating.

Applying for the refund is easy

To apply for your refund, complete CMHC’s Energy-efficient Premium Refund Form and send it to CMHC for processing.

content courtesy of the CMHC