If you build residential projects in Quebec, Novoclimat can help cover the added cost of higher energy‑efficiency standards. The program pays financial assistance to construction professionals, not homeowners. The rules change depending on whether you are building a single‑family home or a multi‑unit residential building. Choosing the right Novoclimat stream from the start is important. Eligibility, inspections, and payments all depend on your choice.
Novoclimat is administered by the Government of Quebec and supports new residential construction that exceeds the energy performance required by the Quebec Construction Code. There are three main streams relevant to builders and developers.
This stream is for builders constructing new single‑family homes that will be Novoclimat‑certified.
Eligible building types include:
Financial assistance:
This stream is commonly used by residential builders working on subdivisions or custom homes. Builders who control the construction process from the design stage can easily integrate Novoclimat requirements.
This stream applies to small multi‑unit residential buildings. It is often misunderstood and sometimes confused with the “homes” stream.
Eligible buildings must be:
Who can apply:
Financial assistance:
This stream is designed for plexes, small apartment buildings, and similar projects that fall below the size thresholds.
If your project exceeds the limits above, it falls into the large multi‑unit category.
Eligible buildings:
Key point:
Requirements, analysis, and financial support differ from the small multi‑unit stream. Choosing the wrong category can delay approval or make your project ineligible.
While the details vary slightly by stream, the overall process is similar.
Step 1: Confirm the correct Novoclimat stream
Before construction starts, check whether your project qualifies as a home, small multi‑unit, or big multi‑unit building. Size and storey count are more important than the number of units.
Step 2: Register the project with Novoclimat
Registration must be done before or at the early stages of construction. Late registration is a common reason for refusal.
Step 3: Build to Novoclimat technical requirements
Projects must exceed standard energy‑efficiency requirements. This includes insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and overall building performance.
Step 4: Inspections and certification
A recognized evaluator verifies compliance. Novoclimat certification is mandatory to receive funding.
Step 5: Receive financial assistance
Once certification is confirmed, financial assistance is paid to the construction professional.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher helps you find Quebec programs that fit your project.
Registering after construction has started
Novoclimat funding is not retroactive. Late registration can make an otherwise compliant project ineligible.
Choosing the wrong stream
A three‑storey building over 600 m² is not “small” under Novoclimat, even if it has few units.
Assuming funding is automatic
Financial assistance is tied to certification. Missing inspections or documentation can delay or cancel payments.
Ignoring stacking rules
Some projects can combine Novoclimat with other incentives, but not all combinations are allowed. Always confirm first.
Q: Who is eligible for Novoclimat small multi‑unit buildings?
Construction professionals building new residential multi‑unit buildings that meet the size and height limits are eligible. The applicant must be responsible for delivering a Novoclimat‑certified project.
Q: What qualifies as a small multi‑unit building under Novoclimat?
The building must be residential, have three storeys or less, and a total area of 600 m² or less. Anything larger falls under the big multi‑unit stream.
Q: How much funding can I receive for a multi‑unit project?
Unlike the homes stream, funding for multi‑unit buildings is not a fixed amount. It is calculated based on project‑specific criteria.
Q: Do I need Novoclimat certification to receive funding?
Yes. Certification is mandatory and verified through inspections. No certification means no financial assistance.
Q: Can Novoclimat be combined with other grants?
In some cases, yes. Stacking may be possible with other Quebec or federal energy‑efficiency incentives, depending on program rules.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada — including energy‑efficiency incentives in Quebec — so you can quickly check which ones match your business profile.
If you build homes or multi‑unit residential projects in Quebec, Novoclimat can help you manage costs while improving building performance. The key is choosing the correct stream and registering early. GrantHub can help you identify Novoclimat and other Quebec programs that match your project type, size, and timeline.
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