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Energy Modelling: The Key to Unlocking Millions in CMHC Incentives

August 14, 2025
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Community

Energy Modelling: The Key to Unlocking Millions in CMHC Incentives

Energy modelling isn't just about compliance—it's a financing strategy.

𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐌𝐇𝐂 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬s

When most people hear energy modelling, they think of building code compliance.

For developers, it can be a financing game-changer — especially when paired with the right CMHC incentives.

As our Director of Building Science, Kewal Parekh puts it:

“Energy modelling isn’t just compliance — it’s a financing strategy. Developers can save a lot of money by going with energy modelling.”

Energy modelling isn’t just about meeting minimum standards — it can unlock CMHC programs that reduce costs, improve cash flow, and boost project returns.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐌𝐇𝐂 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞

𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐀𝐂𝐋𝐏)

? Up to 100% of residential construction costs covered
? Up to 50-year amortization — lowering monthly mortgage payments and improving rental margins
? Interest-only payments during construction
? Designed for rental, seniors housing, and student housing

As of late 2024, CMHC has committed $20.65B through ACLP, supporting over 53,000 purpose-built rental homes.

“With longer amortization, every month the mortgage amount is less — so they get more profit from rentals and greater margins.” — Kewal Parekh

𝐌𝐋𝐈 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 rewards projects that deliver social, environmental, and accessibility benefits with:

— Reduced mortgage insurance premiums
— Longer amortization periods
— More favourable debt service ratios

Points are earned through:

— Affordability — Rent caps tied to median renter income
— Energy Efficiency — 20—40% better than baseline code
— Accessibility — Universal design and visitable units

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰

In July 2025, CMHC introduced risk-based pricing for multi-unit projects:

— Premiums now depend on LTV ratio, project stage, and social outcomes.
— Well-designed projects with strong affordability, efficiency, and accessibility can still qualify for premium discounts.

Energy modelling is often the difference between paying the standard rate — and securing a reduced one.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

With both ACLP and MLI Select, the numbers are clear:

— Higher-performing buildings get better financing terms
— Energy modelling provides the data and strategies to get there — often without unnecessary costIt means:
— Lower operational costs for tenants and owners
— A stronger CMHC application
— A more competitive, resilient building

𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: For developers building rental housing, seniors’ residences, or student accommodations, combining CMHC incentives + energy modelling isn’t just smart — it’s strategic.

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