Plan ahead for new boiler regulations
Sponsored by Enbridge Gas
Important energy efficiency changes are on the horizon. Beginning in 2025, all commercial fuel-burning systems must meet 90 per cent thermal/combustion efficiency or above. This means the only boiler replacement option for most multi-residential buildings will be condensing boilers. This shift is due to Amendment 15 of Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations. Here’s what you need to know to prepare.
Who Is Setting the New Boiler Standards?
Amendment 15 is a directive passed by the Government of Canada.
Who Will Be Impacted by Amendment 15?
Condensing boilers are a smart move for multi-residential buildings. They reach efficiencies of up to 98 per cent by reducing waste heat – a must to lower operating costs. But for some buildings, especially older ones, upgrading may require more than swapping out an old boiler for a condensing one – there may need to be venting and/or plumbing upgrades and other considerations.
What Actions Should Be Taken?
Contact an energy solutions advisor for complimentary technical support and advice. With Amendment 15 setting the standard, there will be significant changes to boiler incentives in 2025.
The Affordable Housing Multi-Residential program from Enbridge Gas provides financial incentives for energy efficiency upgrades and energy assessments to improve the energy performance of your building.
Social and municipal housing providers, co-ops, and shelters can save up to 75 per cent of energy efficiency upgrade costs, to a maximum of $200,000 per project. Eligible private market-rate multi-residential buildings can save up to 50 per cent of energy efficiency upgrade costs, to a maximum of $200,000 per project. These buildings will need to demonstrate at least 30 per cent of units are rented at less than 80 per cent of median market rent or participation in a municipal affordable housing funding program in the last five years.
Incentives for a variety of energy assessments and meters are also available: up to $8,000 per building, to a maximum of $40,000 per year per housing provider. Eligible projects include HVAC audits, controls audits, benchmarking activities, and equipment upgrade analyses.
Why Work with an Energy Solutions Advisor?
Enbridge Gas offers technical expertise and funding to make your capital improvement projects easier and more affordable, helping you:
- save energy
- lower operating costs
- keep your building running optimally
- meet your climate action goals
Start early in the project planning process to maximize incentives available to you. If you haven’t already worked with an energy solutions advisor, you’ll be provided with one for support every step of the way, at no additional cost.
To learn more about how to maximize on these incentives, visit enbridgegas.com/affordable. MW
✯ Municipal World Executive and Essentials Plus Members: You might also be interested in Trevor Chow-Fraser and Rob van Adrichem’s article: 25 ways to take climate action in B.C.
Dana McCormack is a certified measurement and verification professional (CMVP) and certified energy manager (CEM) at Enbridge Gas.
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