The Novoclimat program is a provincial initiative in Québec that promotes the construction of high‑performance, energy‑efficient homes.
The program defines Novoclimat Standards for the construction of homes. These standards require builders to construct homes with superior insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and overall energy efficiency. It also offers financial incentives of up to $4,000 for eligible builders and buyers. The program uses these incentives to help buyers and builders offset the extra costs of purchasing a more comfortable, energy-efficient home that reduces utility bills and improves living quality.
In this article we cover:
- What is the Novoclimat Grant Program?
- How the Novoclimat Grant Program works
- Who is eligible for the Novoclimat Grant Program?
- How to apply for the Novoclimat Grant Program?
- How to find Novoclimat-certified houses to buy?
- Other Novoclimat Program for home buyers in Quebec
What is the Novoclimat Grant Program?
The Novoclimat Grant Program aims to encourage the construction of high-performance, energy-efficient homes in Québec. It does this through four main components:
- Technical building requirements
- Training and certification for contractors
- Inspections
- Financial assistance
Now that we understand what are the high level components, let’s see how each of these works.
Technical building requirements
The Novoclimat Program lays out a set of technical building requirements (“Novoclimat Standards”) established by the Québec government. These requirements ensure that newly built homes achieve higher energy efficiency, greater comfort, and better indoor air quality than standard homes in Québec. Homes built to these standards exceed the minimum Quebec building code in several ways.
For instance, For instance, Novoclimat homes include enhanced insulation in walls, roofs, and foundations, airtight construction to reduce drafts and heat loss, high-performance ventilation systems for better indoor air quality, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that lower utility costs.
Novoclimat training and certification for contractors
The Novoclimat program requires contractors to complete specialized training and earn certification to build homes that meet its energy-efficiency standards. Training covers topics such as insulation, airtightness, energy-efficient systems, and ventilation. The training equips builders with the skills to construct homes that exceed Québec’s standard building codes.
The program also delivers targeted training to ventilation specialists, teaching them how to install systems correctly while preserving indoor air quality and energy performance. After completing the training, builders must pass an exam to earn certification. This certification confirms that builders have the skills to create more comfortable, efficient, and durable homes. You can learn more about the training and its requirements on the Government of Quebec’s website.
Buyers Note
– Novoclimat contractors
– Autonomous and centralized ventilation specialists
– Autonomous ventilation specialists
– Novoclimat Select contractors
Inspections
As part of the Novoclimat Program, independent and authorized evaluators inspect homes at key stages of construction. Typically the evaluator will inspect all aspects of the homes to ensure that it meets the Novoclimat Standards.
Once construction is complete and the home passes all required inspections, it receives official Novoclimat certification. This certification confirms that the home meets the program’s technical requirements and allows the builder and first buyer to qualify for Novoclimat financial incentives. Inspections ensure builders properly implement energy-efficiency measures so homeowners receive the full comfort, performance, and savings the program promises.
Looking for a Novoclimat Inspector?
Financial assistance
The Novoclimat Program provides financial incentives (subvention Novoclimat in French) to both builders and homebuyers. The program offers these incentives to help make Novoclimat-certified homes more affordable and closer in price to a standard new build.
Depending on the type of property and eligibility criteria, financial assistance can total up to approximately $4,000. Builders typically receive a portion of the incentive for constructing to Novoclimat Standards, while the first buyer of a certified home may also qualify for a rebate.
Note
Check out how much more efficient Novoclimat homes are in terms of cost and other benefits.
How the Novoclimat Grant Program works
The Novoclimat program categorizes projects by property type and the requirements and incentives vary slightly depending on the type of building. The program specifies three types of property.
- House: This includes:
- Single-family dwellings (detached, semi-detached or terraced)
- Multigenerational dwellings (e.g. plex)
- Single-family dwellings with an adjoining dwelling
- Small mulit-unit residential building (three stories or less and 600 m² or less e.g. a duplex)
- Large multi-unit residential building (over 600 m² or having between four and 10 floors e.g. a mid- or high-rise apartment building)
The table below outlines the key differences between the Novoclimat programs.
| Aspect | Houses | Small Multi-Unit Buildings | Large Multi-Unit Buildings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Examples | Detached, semi-detached, townhouses, multigen | Duplex, triplex, quadruplex, small condo | Larger condo, apartment buildings |
| Size/Height Criteria | N/A (single dwellings) | ≤ 3 storeys & ≤ 600 m² | > 600 m² or 4–10 storeys |
| Assessment Focus | Individual home energy envelope and systems | Shared walls & systems, building-wide metrics | Central systems, entire building performance |
| Financial Support Target | Buyer + builder | Project developer | Project developer |
| Certification Unit | Per home | Whole building | Whole building |
Who is eligible for the subvention Novoclimat?
Eligibility for financial assistance from Novoclimat (subvention Novoclimat) depends on the property type. Below is a summary of who can get financial assistance:
| Property Type | Who Can Receive the Novoclimat Grant? | Financial Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | Eligible buyers (especially first-time buyers) | $2,000 (first-time buyers: $4,000); contractor: $1,500 per dwelling or $2,500 if Novoclimat Select certified |
| Small multi-unit buildings | Builder/developer (not individual unit buyers) | $445–$1,700 per project depending on building type and number of units |
| Large multi-unit buildings | Builder/developer | $445–$1,700 per project; for social housing: $885–$3,400 per unit |
How to apply for the Novoclimat grant?
To apply for the Novoclimat grant, the process you use depends on if you are applying as either a home buyer or builder/developer. We advise readers to skip to the section that is most relevant to them.
- How to apply for the Novoclimat grant as a home buyer?
- How to apply for the Novoclimat grant as a builder/developer?
How to apply for the Novoclimat grant as a home buyer?
Below are the steps that home buyers can take in order to apply for the Novoclimat grant program:
- Ensure the home meets Novoclimat Standards
- Only newly built homes that comply with the program’s energy-efficiency requirements are eligible.
- Transition énergétique Québec issues certification after inspections to confirm that the home complies with Novoclimat Standards.
- Ask your realtor to get these certificates from the listing agent, as you will need them for your Novoclimat grant application.
- Verify your eligibility
- Single-family home buyers can apply directly for the grant.
- For multi-unit buildings (duplexes, triplexes, condos, social housing), the builder or project developer usually applies on behalf of the project.
- Gather required documents
- You will need to provide proof of purchase (a signed copy of the deed of sale).
- Novoclimat certificate or confirmation of certification.
- Any additional forms requested by the program. For instance, Transition énergétique Québec may occasionally request proof of first-time buyer status when the grant is tied to first-time ownership incentives.
- Complete and submit the application
- Use the official Novoclimat Grant applicaiton forms, a list of these is on the Government of Quebec’s website.
- If you are buying a detached (single-family) home, the form you need is the “Demande d’homologation Novoclimat – Maison” (Novoclimat Certification / Approval Application for a House).
- Receive the financial assistance
- After the application is reviewed and approved, the grant is issued to the buyer (for single-family homes).
- Once you submit the application with all required documents (deed of sale, Novoclimat certificate), approval typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Buyers Tip
How to apply for the Novoclimat grant as a builder?
Below are the steps that builders/developers can take in order to apply for the Novoclimat grant program:
- Build to Novoclimat Standards
- Contractors must ensure the home meets all Novoclimat technical requirements, including insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and energy-efficient systems.
- Authorized evaluators inspect homes before granting certification.
- Obtain Certification
- After passing inspections, the home receives the official Novoclimat certificate.
- Only certified homes are eligible for financial assistance.
- Verify Eligibility
- Contractors can apply for financial assistance for single-family homes they build (sometimes in coordination with the first buyer).
- For multi-unit or social housing projects, the builder or project developer is the designated applicant.
- Gather Required Documents
- Proof of construction, inspection reports, and the Novoclimat certificate.
- Additional forms specified by Transition énergétique Québec.
- Submit Application
- Contractors submit the application directly to Transition énergétique Québec for the eligible units they built.
- Receive Grant
- Builders receive $1,500 per dwelling or $2,500 if Novoclimat Select certified (single-family homes).
- For multi-unit or social housing buildings, the grant varies per unit and building type.
How to find Novoclimat-certified houses to buy?
Property listings usually include this information for buyers looking to purchase a Novoclimat-certified home. Sellers know that buyers value the energy savings and improved comfort these homes offer, which can increase the property’s appeal and market value. The listing broker should therefore advise the seller to officially include this information in the Sellers Declaration.
The OACIQ states that realtors must verify that a home is truly Novoclimat-certified before advertising it. They cannot rely solely on the seller’s word. Instead, the realtor must check the official Novoclimat certificate with its file number, issued to the first owner by Transition énergétique Québec after construction. This ensures that buyers receive accurate and reliable information.
Other energy‑efficiency programs for Quebec home buyers
In addition to the Novoclimat Program, Quebec homeowners can take advantage of energy-efficiency incentives through Hydro‑Québec’s LogisVert program.
This initiative helps cover the cost of installing high-efficiency systems, including electric heat pumps, geothermal heating, and other energy-saving upgrades. By participating in LogisVert, homeowners can reduce utility bills while improving comfort and environmental performance. Many measures include financial assistance of several thousand dollars, depending on the system and property type.
The table below shows what LogisVert offers.
| Program Name | What it Does | Maximum Benefit / Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro‑Québec LogisVert — High‑Efficiency Heat Pumps | Provides financial assistance for the purchase and installation of high‑efficiency electric heat pumps (including cold‑climate models) in eligible homes. | Up to $6,700 (varies with system capacity and model) for eligible heat pump installations. |
| LogisVert — Geothermal Heat Pump | Offers support specifically for geothermal heat pump installation. | $250 per 1,000 BTU/h for installation; capped at $18,000 per address for replacement geothermal systems. |
| LogisVert — Central Heating / ETS Combo | Assistance for combined electric thermal storage (ETS) and central heat pump installations. | Up to $22,000 for eligible combined systems. |
| LogisVert — Other Efficient Measures | Supports other energy‑efficiency upgrades like induction stoves, heat‑pump dryers, roof insulation, pool pumps, etc. | Varies by measure (e.g., up to $1,500 for insulation; $250 for dryer). |
Federal energy‑efficiency programs for Quebec home buyers
Homebuyers in Quebec can also benefit from federal programs that support eco friendly developments. These include those offered by the CMHC. The table below summarizes the programs on offer.
| Program Name | What it Does | Maximum Benefit / Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Eco Improvement Program | Refund on CMHC mortgage insurance for homeowners who complete energy-efficient renovations on an existing home. | Up to 25% of the mortgage insurance premium paid |
| Eco Plus Program | Refund on CMHC mortgage insurance for buyers of newly built energy-efficient homes. | Up to 25% of the mortgage insurance premium paid |
| Green Home Loan Insurance Incentive | Reduces CMHC mortgage insurance costs for new or existing homes that achieve certain environmental performance standards. | Varies depending on energy performance rating and mortgage insurance premium |
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking to buy or sell a Novoclimat property in Quebec?
Are you looking to buy or sell a Novoclimat property in Quebec? The best realtors know how to access financial programs to get the most value out of your home purchase or sale. They leverage their networks of financial advisors, mortgage experts, marketing experience and industry connections to make sure you get the best deal for you. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a specialist realtor. One who truly understands your needs and the market.
In Quebec, there are 17,000+ agents.
At Immovision, we scan the market to find the top-performing, active agents who are the perfect fit for your specific project. Once we identify them, we connect you directly with these agents so you can make confident, informed decisions.
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