If you have energy efficiency projects you wish to perform but lack the necessary funding, this article is for you. Here is how you can reduce energy costs as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while achieving the incentives you’ve been waiting for to support your energy endeavors.
In 2016, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) was granted CAD $25 million dollars to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Ontario for Projects that reduce GHG emissions. CME recently launched the SMART Green Program. This program supports investments in technology upgrades and process improvements that will reduce your GHG emissions and increase your energy efficiency. The program is based on a 100% matching grant funding for up to CAD $200,000 per project. It is available for manufacturers in Ontario which are not mandatory compliant to the Cap-and-Trade regulation; either as a mandatory emitter(1) or a voluntary participant. The company must also have at least 10 full time equivalent employees.
Which activities qualify?
If you already have identified a project, then you only need to contact a Qualified Technical Service Provider (QTSP) such as Carbon Consult Group (CCG) to perform an estimate of overall GHG savings. Fifty percent of the cost of this assessment will be reimbursed by the Program, to a maximum of up to CAD $10,000.
Should you need assistance to identify a project, our experts will come to your facilities for a “walk-through” for which a 100% funding is also applies, for maximum of up to CAD $1,250.
Once CCG completes your GHG reduction assessment, you can apply to the SMART Green portal (a quick & easy process). SMART Green will review your proposal and will inform you whether they accept your project, and which amount will be provided to a maximum of up to CAD $200,000 per facility for the implementation of an improvement project. Multi-facility projects can receive funding for a maximum of up to CAD $500,000.
Below are examples of eligible projects, which in most cases can improve the productivity of most conventional facilities:
- Boiler Sizing and Load
- ManagementAdvanced Boiler Controls
- High Efficiency Burners
- Feedwater Economizers
- Combustion Air Pretreatment
- Air Compressor Heat Recovery
- Refrigeration Heat Recovery
- Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery
- Condensing / Biogas Boilers
- Direct Contact Water Heaters
- High Efficiency Heating Units
What is the QTSP’s role and responsibility?
The QTSP is responsible for providing the applicant with technical data and guidance for projects that will reduce GHG emissions. Carbon Consult Group is fully accredited by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters as an energy efficiency/GHG reduction auditor and an approved provider for GHG Measurement and Verification services.
Our role at CCG is to provide you with the expertise to assess the right energy efficiency solution for your business!
When should you apply?
The earlier the better! Indeed, the fund is available until all the money is spent. The faster you initiate the process the greater the probability of receiving funding earlier on. So far, more than 1,400 manufacturers have benefited from various SMART programs.
Why shouldn’t you?
Indeed, why shouldn’t you benefit? Whether you have a project or considering upgrading your facility, make sure to contact us and we’ll provide you with a free assessment on your options to obtain funding!