Communities told us that renewable and alternative energy generation and conservation are important to them. Renewable and alternative energy and conservation projects can support economic development, encourage self-sufficiency, and promote sustainability.
We’ve created energy programs that help reduce the impact on the environment while realizing financial and sustainability benefits in Basin communities.
What's New
Communities Take Steps to Reduce Climate Impact April 4, 2023 - 17 projects help the Basin become more sustainable Communities are reducing operating costs and gaining efficiencies while working toward their climate resiliency goals. Seventeen projects are underway to make Basin communities more sustainable, with the support of Columbia Basin Trust. […]
Groups Focus on Sustainable Operations February 23, 2023 - Non-profits and First Nations upgrade vehicles and buildings with Trust support To reduce their impacts on the climate and remain sustainable into the future, non-profit organizations and First Nations across the Columbia Basin are undertaking 22 projects, supported by Columbia […]
Energy Use Goes Down as Efficiency Goes Up September 20, 2022 - Energy-efficiency upgrades to make affordable housing more sustainable in Basin communities From upgraded insulation to new heat pumps, 41 buildings with affordable rental housing will see their energy efficiency improve with nearly $6.1 million from Columbia Basin Trust’s Energy Retrofit […]Current Funding
- If you are a non-profit organization operating affordable housing in the Basin in need of energy retrofits, our Energy Retrofit Program could help support the upgrades. This program will help ensure existing affordable housing units are maintained, cost-effective, energy-efficient and comfortable for residents. The Columbia Basin Trust Energy Retrofit Program is delivered by the BC Non-Profit Housing Association in partnership with BC Housing.
- Is your organization thinking about completing energy retrofits, repairs or installing alternative energy generation at your community-purpose building? Or maybe you are planning to electrify your fleet vehicles? If this is the case, the Trust’s new Non-profit Sustainability Program may be able to help.
Past Programs
Energy Retrofit Program
The Energy Retrofit Program, delivered in partnership with BC Non-Profit Housing Association and BC Housing, helped ensure that existing affordable housing units in the Basin were maintained, cost-effective, energy-efficient and comfortable for residents. In two years, over $2.3 million has helped affordable housing organizations complete energy retrofits like installing new boilers, insulating attics and upgrading lighting. In total, upgrades occurred in 935 units in 47 buildings. These upgrades have an expected annual energy savings of 2,980,530 eKwh/year and are expected to have an annual cost saving of $204,130. This is enough savings to power 276 homes.
Detailed project lists are here:
This program is now closed.
Energy Sustainability Grants
The Energy Sustainability Grants support projects that create opportunities for renewable and alternative energy generation, and energy conservation and efficiency at community purpose buildings.
Detailed project lists are here:
Resources
There are additional programs available to support energy conservation and upgrade projects. See the funding available to your organization, business, or home at the links listed below.
First Nations and Local Governments
Businesses
Homes
Contact
Ulli Mueller
Program Coordinator, Delivery of Benefits
umueller@ourtrust.org
250.265.3078
Patrick Checknita
Program Coordinator, Delivery of Benefits
pchecknita@ourtrust.org
250.304.1634
