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CMHC Energy Programs

CMHC MLI Select Energy Modelling for Multi-Unit Projects

Plan performance targets early. Coordinate technical documentation. Reduce late-stage surprises.

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Call: 778-867-0242

Energy Modelling and Technical Support for MLI Select

Thrive Energy Inc. supports developers, builders and project consultants with energy-performance planning for new and existing multi-unit residential buildings across the Okanagan and BC Interior. Through energy modelling, design guidance, airtightness testing and technical reporting, we help project teams evaluate potential CMHC MLI Select energy-efficiency pathways from early feasibility through final verification.

CMHC MLI Select Financing

CMHC MLI Select uses a point system based on commitments to affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility. Depending on the project’s total score and CMHC underwriting, available benefits may include reduced insurance premiums, longer amortization periods and higher allowable loan-to-cost or loan-to-value ratios.

CMHC MLI Select energy-efficiency performance targets and points
MLI Select Energy Commitment Required Performance Target Program Impact
20-Point Energy Target New construction: At least 25% better than NECB 2020 Tier 1 or 20% better than NBC 2020 Tier 1.

Existing properties: At least 15% reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions compared with pre-retrofit performance. 		Contributes 20 points toward the project’s overall MLI Select score.
35-Point Energy Target New construction: At least 50% better than NECB 2020 Tier 1 or 40% better than NBC 2020 Tier 1.

Existing properties: At least 25% reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions compared with pre-retrofit performance. 		Contributes 35 points toward the project’s overall MLI Select score.
50-Point Energy Target New construction: At least 60% better than NECB 2020 Tier 1 or 70% better than NBC 2020 Tier 1.

Existing properties: At least 40% reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions compared with pre-retrofit performance. 		Contributes 50 points toward the project’s overall MLI Select score.

Energy-efficiency points may be combined with affordability and accessibility points. The project’s total score not its energy-efficiency points alone determines the available MLI Select insurance flexibilities. The approved lender submits the application, and CMHC determines eligibility and final financing terms.

The Integrated Design Process (IDP) for MURBs

High-performance building science is a deeply collaborative effort, not a collection of sub-trades working in isolation. Founder and Registered Energy Advisor Brett Tracy explains why early alignment is critical for large-scale developments:

“On a multi-unit project, early alignment between the developer, architect, engineers, energy modeller and key trades helps resolve envelope and mechanical decisions before they become costly changes during construction.”

Core Services for Multi-Unit Developers

Thrive Energy supports new and existing multi-unit projects with energy modelling, performance testing and technical documentation aligned with applicable building-code and CMHC MLI Select requirements.

  • Energy Modelling and Pathway Analysis: Evaluate building-envelope and mechanical-system options against applicable NBC or NECB baselines and potential MLI Select energy-efficiency targets.
  • Multi-Unit Airtightness Testing: Coordinate blower-door and air-leakage testing to measure building performance, identify potential deficiencies and support project verification.
  • MLI Select Technical Documentation: Prepare energy-modelling summaries and supporting technical files for submission through the approved lender, coordinating with other qualified project professionals when required.
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Frequently Asked Questions About MLI Select and Multi-Unit Compliance

What is CMHC MLI Select?
CMHC MLI Select is a mortgage-loan insurance program for eligible multi-unit residential properties. Projects earn points through affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility commitments. The total points achieved can affect available insurance premiums, amortization periods and loan-to-value limits.
Yes. MLI Select includes pathways for new construction and existing multi-unit residential properties. The energy requirements and methods used to demonstrate performance differ depending on the type and stage of the project.
Part 9 generally applies to qualifying residential buildings no more than three storeys in building height and no more than 600 square metres in building area. Larger or more complex multi-unit buildings generally fall under Part 3. Classification also depends on occupancy and other building-code conditions, so it should be confirmed with the local building authority or project design professional.
Energy modelling should begin during feasibility or early design. This gives the project team time to compare performance pathways, evaluate building-envelope and mechanical-system options, and address potential issues before the design is finalized.
For new construction, the proposed building is compared with the applicable national building-code energy baseline. Existing-building projects are generally evaluated according to projected reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions compared with the building’s pre-retrofit performance.
Thrive Energy can provide energy-performance planning, modelling support, airtightness testing and technical coordination for multi-unit projects. The professional qualifications and modelling tools required depend on the building classification and selected MLI Select pathway. For Part 3 projects, Thrive coordinates with appropriately qualified project professionals where required.
Airtightness testing is not automatically required for every MLI Select project. It may be used to establish modelling assumptions, identify envelope leakage or verify completed performance, depending on the building type, selected pathway and supporting documentation requirements.
An Integrated Design Process brings the developer, architect, energy modeller, mechanical engineer and key trades together early. Coordinating energy targets, envelope details and mechanical systems before construction helps reduce redesigns, conflicting specifications and costly site changes.
Thrive Energy prepares and coordinates energy-performance documentation based on the applicable project pathway and current program requirements. The approved lender submits the required documentation, while CMHC and the lender retain responsibility for reviewing the application and determining eligibility.
The project’s completed assemblies and mechanical systems are reviewed against the proposed design. Where required, the energy model is updated and final testing, verification documents and supporting professional attestations are prepared for submission through the project’s approved lender.