Eligible Improvements

Energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades eligible for CEIP financing

Improvement Categories

All improvements must reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, or water usage. Each project is evaluated by DRC to confirm eligibility and projected performance.

Building Envelope

Upgrades to doors, windows, insulation, and air sealing that improve the thermal performance and airtightness of the building shell.

Air curtains
Air infiltration, sealing, and pressurization
Energy-efficient windows
Insulation (wall, attic, foundation)
Building automation system upgrades

Mechanical Systems

High-efficiency heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water heating equipment that reduces energy consumption.

High-efficiency boilers and furnaces
Heat pumps (air-source, ground-source)
Energy/heat recovery ventilators (ERV/HRV)
High-efficiency chillers and packaged cooling
High-efficiency water heaters
Smart thermostats
Pipe and duct insulation

Lighting

LED retrofits and lighting controls that reduce electricity consumption while maintaining or improving light quality.

LED lighting retrofits (interior and exterior)
Lighting controls and occupancy sensors
Daylighting systems

Solar and Renewable Energy

On-site renewable energy generation systems including solar photovoltaic arrays, solar thermal collectors, and other renewable technologies.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
Transpired air collector systems
Solar thermal systems

Energy Management

Building automation and control systems that optimize energy use through monitoring, scheduling, and load management.

Building automation systems (BAS)
Demand control ventilation
Energy monitoring and load management

Motors and Drives

Variable frequency drives and high-efficiency motors that reduce electricity consumption in commercial and industrial applications.

Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
High-efficiency motors

Commercial Kitchen

Energy-efficient commercial kitchen ventilation and equipment upgrades that reduce energy consumption in food service operations.

Demand control kitchen ventilation (DCKV)

How Improvements Are Evaluated

DRC evaluates every proposed improvement through a structured assessment process tailored to the property type. For commercial and industrial properties, a pre-project ASHRAE Level 3 energy audit establishes baseline performance and validates the projected energy savings. For residential properties, a simplified energy assessment is used to determine eligibility and expected outcomes.

After installation, all property types undergo a post-project ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit one year after completion. This verifies that actual energy savings meet or exceed projections, protecting both property owners and investors.

This audit-verified approach is central to DRC's private-capital model. By confirming measurable outcomes for every project, DRC maintains the credibility and performance track record required to attract ongoing investment at favourable rates -- keeping financing costs low for property owners.

Property Type Coverage

DRC administers CEIP for all property types across Alberta. Assessment requirements and funding limits vary by property type.

Property Type	Max Funding	Application Fee	Pre-Project Audit	Post-Project Audit
Residential	$50,000	$100	Simplified energy assessment	Energy evaluation
Commercial	$1,000,000	$500	ASHRAE Level 3 energy audit	ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit (1 year post-completion)
Farm	$300,000	$200	ASHRAE Level 3 energy audit (agriculture-adapted)	ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit (1 year post-completion)
Non-Designated Industrial	$1,000,000	$500	ASHRAE Level 3 energy audit	ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit (1 year post-completion)

Energy audit requirements are a DRC policy choice for private-capital de-risking, not a regulatory mandate. Alberta Regulation 212/2018, Section 7.3 permits the program administrator to define the scope of assessment requirements.

Get Involved

DRC is building the network of qualified professionals and municipal partners needed to deliver CEIP improvements across Alberta.