The CMHC Eco Plus Program (formerly known as the Green Home program) is a federal initiative from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
The program gives homeowners a refund of up to 25% on their CMHC mortgage loan insurance premium when they buy or build a new energy-efficient home with CMHC-insured financing.
In this article we take a look at how you can get access to this funding. More specifically we will look at:
- What is the CMHC’s Eco Plus Program?
- How does the CMHC Eco Plus Program work?
- Recognized Energy Efficiency Standards for CMHC Eco Plus
- Which type of homes qualify for CMHC Eco Plus Program?
- How to apply for the CMHC Eco Improvement plan?
- Other CMHC Programs for home buyers in Quebec
What is the CMHC’s Eco Plus Program?
The CMHC’s Eco Plus Program is a national initiative by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that offers a refund of up to 25% of your CMHC mortgage loan insurance premium when you buy or build a new energy-efficient home with CMHC-insured financing.
For example, if a buyer purchases a newly built home with a CMHC-insured mortgage, pays $16,000 in mortgage insurance, and the home meets eligible energy-efficiency criteria, the buyer could receive a refund of up to $4,000 in cash back.
Buyers Tip: If you purchased an older home
How does the CMHC Eco Plus Program work?
To take advantage of the Eco Plus refund, there are a few key requirements you’ll need to meet.
First, the home must be financed with a CMHC-insured mortgage. It must also be newly built (never previously occupied) and meet recognized energy efficiency standards. This includes EnerGuide rating or another eligible certificate. The home must also be newly built (never previously occupied) and meet recognized energy efficiency standards, such as an EnerGuide rating or another eligible certificate.
Next, since the refund is calculated as a percentage of your mortgage insurance premium that you have already paid, you will need to actually pay for the insurance. This is organized by the bank that is issuing the mortgage and is added on top of the mortgage, so there is nothing here for you to do other than to transfer your down payment at closing.
Finally you must submit your Eco Plus refund application. Applications must be made within 24 months of your mortgage closing. In Quebec (and generally in Canada), the mortgage closing date for CMHC purposes is the date you sign the deed of sale at the notary and officially take possession of the property. In you application, you will need to include proof of mortgage insurance payment, proof of purchase and energy efficiency certificate or EnerGuide rating for the home.
Recognized Energy Efficiency Standards for CMHC Eco Plus
To qualify for the Eco Plus refund, your home must meet recognized energy efficiency standards. This ensures the program supports genuinely energy-efficient homes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering utility costs. CMHC currently recognizes two main ways to prove that your home meets efficiency standards:
Let’s take a deeper look into what each of these recognized energy efficiency standards are now.
EnerGuide Rating
The EnerGuide rating system is officially developed, maintained, and regulated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). This is a federal government department. It offers a standardized methodology for evaluating and scoring the energy performance of a home across Canada. This means that an EnerGuide rating in Montreal is calculated using the same rules as in Vancouver or Toronto.
With the EnerGuide system, homes are given a numerical score that measures energy consumption in gigajoules per year. The lower the score, the more energy-efficient the home. To be eligible for Eco Plus, your home must meet or exceed a target efficiency threshold. This is typically 20% better than a standard new home built to local building codes.
EnerGuide assessments are conducted by licensed energy evaluators who inspect the home and record details such as insulation, windows, doors, heating systems, and air tightness. After assessment, the home receives an EnerGuide rating certificate. You will submit this as part of your Eco Plus application.
Recognized Third-Party Certifications
CMHC also accepts certifications from established energy-efficiency programs, which demonstrate that a home is built to higher-than-code energy standards. The full list of certificates are listed out on their website. The most commonly accepted certifications include:
- ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes – verifies that the home exceeds provincial building code energy requirements through efficient construction and systems.
- R-2000 – a Canadian program focusing on superior insulation, airtightness, and energy-efficient mechanical systems.
- LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – internationally recognized certification evaluating energy, water efficiency, and overall environmental impact.
- Novoclimat (Quebec-specific) – a provincial standard in Quebec that certifies homes built to high energy performance and indoor air quality criteria.
- Passive House – an ultra-efficient standard emphasizing insulation, airtightness, and ventilation for minimal heating and cooling needs.
These certifications are awarded based on independent inspections or audits, and the resulting certificate serves as proof of energy efficiency for the Eco Plus application.
Buyers Tip
Which type of homes qualify for CMHC Eco Plus Program?
The CMHC Eco Plus Program is designed for newly built homes that are energy-efficient and financed with a CMHC-insured mortgage. Eligible property types generally include:
- Single-family detached homes
- Semi-detached homes
- Duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes (owner-occupied units financed with CMHC insurance)
- Row / townhouses (if purchased individually and CMHC-insured)
Essentially, any newly built home that is financed with CMHC mortgage insurance is eligible for the Eco Plus Program, regardless of property type. The key requirement is that the home meets the energy-efficiency standards set by CMHC.
How to apply for the CMHC Eco Improvement plan?
To apply for the CMHC Eco Improvement Plan, we recommend that you take the following steps:
- Wait until after your mortgage closes.
- You must apply after your CMHC‑insured mortgage has closed and within 24 months of the closing date.
- Gather required documents.
- Make sure that you have proof of mortgage insurance payment, proof of home purchase (such as the deed of sale), and your energy-efficiency certificate or EnerGuide rating ready to submit with your application.
- Complete the application form.
- Download the CMHC Eco Plus form.
- Fill in your personal, property, and mortgage details.
- You’ll also include your CMHC loan number, which you can find on your mortgage documents or by asking your lender.
- CMHC Submit your application.
- You can send the completed form and all supporting documentation to CMHC by:
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 1-800-245-9274
- Mail: 700 Montreal Road (Suite 1000), Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0P7
- You can send the completed form and all supporting documentation to CMHC by:
- Wait for review.
- Once submitted, CMHC will review your application and documentation to confirm eligibility and calculate your refund. If approved, you’ll receive the refund based on the premium you paid.
Other CMHC Programs for home buyers in Quebec
Home buyers in Quebec can access several other CMHC programs. These are designed to make buying or upgrading a home more affordable. Here’s a quick overview:
| Program Name | What it Does | Maximum Benefit / Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Eco Improvement Program | Provides a 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 |
| 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 |
| High-Ratio Mortgage Loan Insurance | Allows buyers with less than 20% down payment to purchase a home by insuring the mortgage, giving access to financing that might not otherwise be available. | Mortgage insurance cost varies depending on down payment percentage |
Quebec home buyers can also take advantage of federal and provincial tax credit programs that make buying a house more affordable for first time buyers. These include:
Provincial Programs (Quebec)
- Quebec Home Buyers’ Tax Credit – A non-refundable tax credit that helps first-time home buyers lower their provincial income tax.
- GST/QST Rebate for New Housing – Enables eligible buyers of new or substantially renovated homes to reclaim a portion of the GST and QST paid.
- Welcome Tax (Taxe de bienvenue) Assistance – Some municipalities, including Montreal, offer partial or full rebates on land transfer taxes, often for first-time buyers or families with children.
Federal Programs (Canada)
- RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) – Lets first-time buyers withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP to purchase or build a home, tax-free, as long as the funds are repaid over 15 years.
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA / CELIAPP) – A savings account for first-time buyers where contributions are tax-deductible and withdrawals for qualifying homes are tax-free.
- First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC) – A federal non-refundable tax credit that reduces the income tax payable for first-time buyers.
- GST/HST New Housing Rebate – Allows buyers to recover part of the GST or HST paid on new or substantially renovated homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking to buy a property in Quebec?
Are you looking to buy a property in Quebec? The best realtors know how to access financial programs that get the most value from your purchase. They leverage their networks of financial advisors, mortgage experts, 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 more than 17,000 agents.
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