CMHC Eco Plus & Eco Improvement
Two federal programs that put real money back in your pocket through a 25% refund on your CMHC mortgage insurance premium. One is for buyers of newly built energy efficient homes. The other rewards homeowners who invest in meaningful energy upgrades to their existing property.
At a Glance
Two Programs, One Goal
CMHC offers separate programs depending on whether you are buying a newly built home or upgrading an existing one. Both deliver the same core benefit: a 25% refund on the mortgage loan insurance premium you already paid. A Registered Energy Advisor provides the documentation that makes the application possible.
CMHC Eco Plus
For buyers of newly constructed homes financed with CMHC mortgage loan insurance.
- Home must be newly built and never previously occupied
- Must be financed with CMHC-insured mortgage (typically less than 20% down)
- Home must meet recognized energy standards, such as an EnerGuide label showing performance at least 20% better than a typical new home, or hold an ENERGY STAR, R-2000, LEED, or Passive House certification
- In BC, most homes built since 2023 already meet this bar under the Energy Step Code
- Application submitted within 24 months of mortgage closing
CMHC Eco Improvement
For homeowners who complete qualifying energy upgrades to a property with an existing CMHC-insured mortgage.
- Home must be owner-occupied and currently insured through a CMHC mortgage
- Minimum $20,000 in qualifying energy improvements required
- Eligible upgrades typically include insulation, windows and air sealing, high-efficiency heat pumps, or improved domestic hot water systems
- Pre and post EnerGuide evaluations document the energy improvement
- Application submitted within 24 months of mortgage closing
Program details sourced from CMHC. See CMHC Eco Plus and CMHC Eco Improvement for full details. Programs subject to change.
Eco Plus
How the Eco Plus Refund Works
Buying a newly built home with less than 20% down means you paid CMHC mortgage insurance. If that home meets the energy efficiency threshold, you can claim 25% of that premium back.
Because BC's Energy Step Code has required new homes to be at least 20% more efficient than a typical new house since 2023, many buyers are already eligible and simply don't know it. An EnerGuide label, or another recognized certification, is the documentation that unlocks the refund.
Confirm your mortgage is CMHC-insured
Less than 20% down payment means you were required to carry mortgage loan insurance.
Get your energy documentation
A Registered Energy Advisor completes an EnerGuide evaluation and issues the label. Some homes already have this from the builder.
Submit the CMHC application
File your Eco Plus application with CMHC within 24 months of your mortgage closing date.
Receive your refund
CMHC issues a cheque equal to 25% of the insurance premium you paid. For many buyers this is several thousand dollars.
Eco Improvement
How the Eco Improvement Refund Works
If you already own a home with a CMHC-insured mortgage and you invest at least $20,000 in qualifying energy upgrades, a portion of what you paid for mortgage insurance comes back to you.
This program is designed for homeowners doing real retrofit work: heat pump installations, insulation upgrades, window replacements, and air sealing projects. A pre-upgrade and post-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation documents the improvement and satisfies CMHC's requirements.
Pre-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation
A Registered Energy Advisor evaluates your home before work begins and creates the baseline rating.
Complete at least $20,000 in eligible upgrades
Insulation, heat pumps, windows, air sealing, or efficient hot water systems all qualify.
Post-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation
The advisor returns after the work is done to confirm the improvement and issue an updated label.
Apply and receive your refund
Submit your Eco Improvement application with supporting documentation within 24 months of your mortgage closing date.
Side by Side
Eligibility at a Glance
Both programs require an active CMHC-insured mortgage. The key difference is whether the property is new or existing.
| Requirement | CMHC Eco Plus | CMHC Eco Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Property type | Newly built, never occupied | Existing owner-occupied home |
| Mortgage requirement | CMHC-insured mortgage | Existing CMHC-insured mortgage |
| Energy requirement | EnerGuide rating at least 20% better than typical new home, or eligible certification | Documented energy improvement via pre and post EnerGuide evaluation |
| Minimum spend | None (beyond evaluation cost) | $20,000 in qualifying upgrades |
| Refund amount | 25% of mortgage insurance premium paid | 25% of mortgage insurance premium paid |
| Application deadline | Within 24 months of mortgage closing | Within 24 months of mortgage closing |
| Energy advisor role | EnerGuide evaluation and label | Pre and post evaluation and reporting |
Always verify current eligibility criteria directly with CMHC before applying. Requirements may be updated.
Professional Referrals
For Mortgage Brokers and Lenders
If your clients carry CMHC mortgage insurance, both programs represent real money they may not know they're entitled to. Flagging these programs as part of your service adds genuine value and builds client trust.
Thrive Energy handles the energy advisor side: evaluations, documentation, and guidance through the application process. We serve the Okanagan and surrounding regions from West Kelowna to Vernon and Salmon Arm in the north, and south through Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos.
New Home Buyers
Any client purchasing a newly built home with less than 20% down is worth flagging for Eco Plus eligibility. BC's Energy Step Code means most new construction since 2023 already qualifies.
Renovation Clients
Clients with existing CMHC mortgages who are planning major upgrades, such as heat pump installs or significant insulation work, may qualify for Eco Improvement if the project reaches the $20,000 threshold.
Condo Purchasers
The Eco Plus program applies to condo purchases as well as detached homes. This is often overlooked and represents a significant opportunity in Okanagan markets like Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon.
A Simple Referral
We are happy to connect directly with your clients, walk them through eligibility, and provide the energy documentation their application needs. No ongoing obligation and no complicated process for your office.
Other Insurers
Not Insured Through CMHC?
Canada's two other mortgage insurers offer equivalent programs under different names. The eligibility requirements and refund structure are closely aligned with the CMHC programs. The same EnerGuide documentation typically satisfies all three.
Sagen Canada
Offers the Energy Efficient Housing Program (EEHP) for new and existing homes.
View Sagen EEHP
Canada Guaranty
Offers the Energy Efficient Advantage Program, mirroring the CMHC Eco Plus structure.
View Canada Guaranty Program
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
These programs are genuinely underused. Many buyers and homeowners who qualify simply aren't aware they have a refund available.
We've written a thorough walkthrough of how these programs work, including example refund calculations for an Okanagan home. Read our full blog post on CMHC Eco Plus and Eco Improvement.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
We can usually answer that question quickly. Reach out and we'll look at your situation, confirm eligibility, and walk you through what documentation you need.