HomeZero Collective
500 Vernon Homes Getting Retrofits
Our mission is to make it simpler and more affordable for homeowners to switch to clean energy and amplify our climate action by going through the process together. With so many successes from our 2024 pilot project, HomeZero is getting ready to scale up and bring our neighbourhood retrofit model to 500 homes across Greater Vernon starting in 2025.
Will one of them be yours?
“Through projects like the HomeZero Collective Society’s home retrofitting pilot project in the city of Vernon, B.C., we are helping Canadians switch to sustainable practices and make their homes more energy-efficient.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
For example: Your current heating and electricity costs are $325/month on an annualized basis.
$325
After the renewable energy retrofit your costs drop to $40 per month, you are protected from rising energy costs, and your emissions drop by 85-100%.
$40
Savings: $285 /month
Use the savings to pay off your retrofit. Once paid off, you will save thousands of dollars a year.
$285
How it works
Your current heating
and electricity costs $325/ per month:
$325
After the renewable energy retrofit the costs drop to $40 per month:
$40
Savings: $285 /month
Use the savings to pay off your retrofit.
$285
How it works
HomeZero Collective is making it faster, easier and more affordable for neighbourhoods across the City of Vernon, BC to switch to clean energy.
1. Our Specialties
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2. Programs reduce cost
The following programs will dramatically reduce the cost of your home's clean energy retrofit:
-
$10,000 - $30,000 HomeZero subsidy
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$5,000 - $11,000 government rebates
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Interest free Greener Homes Loan of up to $40,000
3. Clean energy retrofit
Your home will be retrofitted by our industry leading partner Okanagan Geothermal. It will be heated and cooled by a geothermal or air source heat pump that uses clean energy. Solar panels will generate electricity and you are protected from rising energy costs, carbon tax, and your emissions drop by 85-100%.
4. Savings payoff loan
Your utility bills drop to $40/month. Use the $285 in savings to pay off your interest free Greener Homes Loan sponsored by Natural Resources Canada. This loan has a 10 year term.
5. Annual savings $2500+
After your Greener Homes Loan is paid off in 10 years, you will save $2,500 to $4,000 on an annual basis. Celebrate and use those savings to buy an electric vehicle and reduce emissions even further. Together we can make a big difference!
HomeZero participants gain faster, easier access to green home technology, guidance and funding.
AFFORDABLE
We secure government funding to provide subsidies, and we connect you to rebates and low- interest lending
ACCESSIBLE
We make it easier by coordinating what’s needed at every step, from pre-retrofit inspection to installations to apps to see your impact!
IMPACTFUL
In this next phase, together we have the chance to reduce carbon emissions in Vernon by 2,000 tons/year. Together, our climate action is making a significant difference!
HOW IT WORKS
For our large-scale retrofit project starting in 2025, here’s how the model works:
Your Current Bill
Your home uses natural gas for space and water heating. Let’s say your current heating and electricity costs are $325/month.
Subsidies, Grants and Low-interest Lending Reduce Costs
These programs dramatically reduce retrofit costs:
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$5,000 HomeZero Collective Subsidy for the first 100 project participants
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$16,000-$20,000 government rebates and income-qualifying participants may be eligible for even more significant rebates
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Low-interest loans from our lending partner (details coming soon)
Clean Energy Retrofits
Emissions at your home will drop by at least 85% as we coordinate the expert installation of these retrofits.
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Gas furnace to an electric cold-climate air source heat pump to heat and cool your home
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Old hot water tank to a hybrid electric hot water tank that’s 50% more efficient and emissions free
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Solar panels to generate clean electricity to run your new energy systems
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Level 2 EV charging outlet to get your home ready for an electric vehicle
Savings Pay off the Loan
Your utility bills drop to $40/month.*
Now you can use the $285 in savings to pay off your low-interest retrofit loan. For many participants, the utility savings will be similar to the loan payment.
Save Big Every Year
Once your low-interest retrofit loan is paid off, you can save $1,000 to $3,500 a year
*This is an illustrative example. Actual costs and savings will vary based on current energy usage, the amount of solar power that can be generated from one's roof, home's energy efficiency level, among other conditions.
HomeZero is offering a $5000 subsidy to the first 100 homeowners who sign up!*
This is on top of the $16,000+ in rebates available in BC today.
*Pending FCM approval
“Even on the hottest days, our new air source heat pump has kept us cool and comfortable. In addition, we are impressed by its whisper-quiet operation.
-LEITH and Gladys SKINNER, VERNON PILOT PARTICIPANT
The HomeZero team's collective experience, expertise and care make the home retrofit process seamless. From a homeowner's perspective, the completed project feels incredible, as do lower bills. As more and more people make the switch, I am sure the Earth will breathe a sigh of relief, too!
-TAMARA LOW, PILOT PARTICIPANT
Aside from all of the future savings on energy and gas bills, we just really wanted to be part of the solution to reduce our carbon footprint. We have all talked about how we want to make things better for the future so this program gave us that chance.
-Kevin O'Brien and Michelle Mitchell
East Hill & Foothills Retrofit Pilot Highlights
2024 Pilot Photos
News and Updates
10 to 15 homes retrofitted in the Okanagan region (B.C.) as part of a pilot project with support from the Government of Canada and FCM
Vernon, British Columbia – By helping Canadians upgrade their homes to be more energy-efficient, the Government of Canada, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are helping tackle climate change, create good jobs and reduce monthly bills.
News and Updates
HomeZero announces plans to bring clean energy retrofits to 500 Vernon homes
With the success of a neighbourhood retrofit pilot that saw 11 Vernon homes switch to electric heat pumps and hot water tanks, and generate the electricity to run them with solar panels—HomeZero is scaling up...
HOME ZERO COLLECTIVE
Why Vernon homeowners are taking part in a novel pilot project bringing climate retrofits to the masses
Eleven homes in the North Okanagan are being retrofitted to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
The CBC's Megan Turcato paid them a visit.
CBC KELOWNA
Project sparks switch to clean energy in Vernon neighbourhoods
Up to 15 residents in the Foothills and East Hill could receive a $10,000-$30,000 subsidy, financing.
VERNON MORNING STAR
