In Ontario, businesses aiming for energy efficiency have an array of grant options at their disposal. These programs not only bolster efforts against climate change but also pave the way for significant cost reductions over time. Recognizing energy efficiency as a long-term investment strategy, Ontario-based businesses can significantly benefit from these grants.
Energy efficiency investments often require initial capital, but these expenses tend to pay off handsomely and swiftly, making them a smart long-term investment.
Comprehensive List of Energy Efficiency Grants in Ontario:
Ontario-Specific Energy Efficiency Incentives
- Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) – Seed Fund: This fund supports early-stage clean tech entrepreneurs in Ontario, offering grants for innovative environmental projects.
- Natural Resources Canada – Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) – Onshore Program: Offers both repayable and partially repayable contributions for Ontario-based projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) – Business Projects: Provides funding for strategic investments in Ontario’s forest sector, promoting innovation and productivity.
- Environmental Solutions – Farm Credit Canada: Financing solutions for Ontario farmers to make environmental upgrades and transition to renewable energy resources.
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority – Restoring the Lake Simcoe Watershed Program: Supports landowners in the Lake Simcoe watershed with projects that have environmental benefits.
- Climate Action Incentive Fund: SME Project Stream: Assists small and medium-sized Ontario businesses in sectors like agriculture and building, funding retrofit projects.
Federal Energy Efficiency Grants Relevant to Ontario Businesses
- AI-Powered Supply Chains Supercluster (SCALE.AI) Industry-led Projects: Provides funding for Ontario AI businesses to enhance supply chain processes.
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership AgriAssurance Program: Supports Ontario’s non-profit agri-food sector in adopting new health and safety assurance standards.
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership AgriCompetitiveness Program: Offers funding for non-profit organizations in Ontario’s agricultural sector for projects that enhance sector capacity and competitiveness.
- Canada Heritage Canada Book Fund (CBF) – Support for Organizations: Aids Ontario businesses in the book industry with marketing and promotion of Canadian-authored books.
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership AgriInnovate Program: Assists Ontario businesses in the agricultural sector with commercialization and innovation projects.
Energy Efficiency Grants for Diverse Sectors in Ontario
- The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) TAF Grants: Grants for non-profits and municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas for projects reducing air pollution and carbon emissions.
- Save On Energy – Retrofit Program: Offers funding for businesses in various sectors in Ontario for system upgrades and comprehensive energy-efficient projects.
- Save On Energy – Small Business Lighting Program: Provides lighting upgrades for small businesses in Ontario with less than 50 employees.
- Save On Energy – Energy Manager Program: Funds the hiring of an energy manager to identify and implement energy efficiency opportunities in Ontario businesses.
- Save On Energy – Energy Performance Program: Rewards Ontario businesses making operational changes to support energy-efficient capital investments.
- Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) – Grid Innovation Fund: Finances projects that contribute to grid efficiency and customer energy management in Ontario.
- Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (LEADS): Supports farms in the Lake Erie watershed in Ontario with sustainable and profitable management practices.
With these comprehensive energy efficiency grant programs, Ontario businesses are well-positioned to make significant strides in reducing energy consumption and costs. These investments not only contribute to a healthier environment but also enhance business profitability in the long run.
