Natural Resources Canada Launches Second Call for Applications for Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative

The Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI), which provides funding to organizations and other projects that facilitate the development of deep retrofits in commercial, institutional, and mid- or high-rise multi-unit residential buildings in Canada, has launched a second call for applications.

Back in March 2022, the Government of Canada released its 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP), which is the first under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. This plan outlines a sector-by-sector path for the country to reach its emissions reduction target of 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

To meet its climate targets, the Government of Canada must increase the depth and rate of building retrofits. Retrofits, and deep retrofits in particular, are complex projects with various moving parts. This complexity generates barriers to the development of deep retrofit projects across Canada.

The objectives of the program are to build capacity for, and address barriers to, deep retrofit project development and implementation, facilitate the development of deep retrofit projects in Canada, and contribute to transforming the buildings sector in support of the Government of Canada’s climate goals.

The amount of funding available for the second call for applications is approximately $8 million over two years (2025/26 to 2026/27).

The projects must focus on at least one of the following priorities. They include developing tools, resources, and/or other capacity building activities to support the Canadian financial sector in efforts to finance deep retrofit projects, developing tools, resources, and/or other capacity building activities to support workforce development and capacity related to deep retrofits, and developing tools, resources, and/or other capacity building activities to support the development of deep retrofit business cases (not limited to a specific project or building owner/manager).

Eligible applicants include Canadian organizations (for- and non-profit), all levels of government, and Indigenous organizations and groups.

Applications must be received by February 12, 2025, at 23:59 EST.

For more information about the program, including the application guide, visit the DRAI webpage.