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
Non-profits Reduce Emissions, Boost Climate Resilience January 23, 2025 - Non-profit organizations are implementing solutions to address climate change in the Columbia Basin, supported by Columbia Basin Trust. A total of 21 projects are underway, focusing on upgrades like fire-resistant siding, improved insulation, solar panels and heat pumps—all aimed at […]
Columbia Basin Trust Seeks Members For New Task Forces January 21, 2025 - Columbia Basin Trust continues to value the voices of Columbia Basin residents in shaping its work. To further this commitment, the Trust is introducing four new task forces and inviting Basin residents to apply. “Since our inception, the people of […]
Solar Power Shines on Affordable Housing December 2, 2024 - Families and seniors in nine affordable housing buildings across seven Columbia Basin communities will soon enjoy clean, renewable energy. Supported by nearly $600,000 from Columbia Basin Trust, these buildings are adding solar panels to reduce costs and environmental impact. “Adding […]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
