Building Retrofits Initiative (BRI): How to Apply + Eligible Retrofit Costs

If your business owns or operates large buildings, energy retrofits can cut operating costs—but upfront capital is often the main barrier. The Building Retrofits Initiative (BRI) helps remove that barrier by offering low-cost, long-term financing for major retrofit projects across Canada. The program is run by the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and is open now.

What Is the Building Retrofits Initiative (BRI)?

The Building Retrofits Initiative is a federal financing program, not a traditional grant. It provides repayable, low-cost loans to support large retrofit projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy performance in existing buildings.

BRI is designed for projects that are often too big or complex for standard rebates or utility incentives. The goal is to speed up energy upgrades and reduce emissions in buildings across Canada.

Key features at a glance:

Type of support: Repayable financing (loan), not non-repayable funding
Jurisdiction: Federal (available across Canada)
Status: Open
Administered by: Canada Infrastructure Bank
Target outcome: Lower energy use and fewer emissions

Who Is Eligible for BRI Financing?

BRI has broad eligibility compared to many retrofit programs. Both public and private sector owners can apply, as long as the project is big enough and delivers real energy or emissions benefits.

Eligible applicants include:

Public sector organizations
- All levels of government
- Indigenous communities
- Hospitals, schools, universities, and other institutions
Private sector organizations
- Owners of commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Multi-unit residential buildings
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs) and large property portfolios

The program is for building owners, not individual tenants. If you lease space, the property owner must be the applicant.

Eligible Retrofit Costs Under the Building Retrofits Initiative

BRI financing supports a wide range of major retrofit measures, especially those that significantly reduce energy use or cut emissions.

Common eligible retrofit projects include:

Energy efficiency upgrades
- HVAC system replacements
- Building automation and controls
- High-performance lighting systems
- Insulation and new windows
Fuel switching and decarbonization
- Replacing natural gas or oil systems with electric options
- Heat pumps and district energy connections
- Low-carbon heating and cooling systems
On-site renewable energy
- Solar panels
- Renewable thermal technologies that support building energy needs

Projects need to show clear energy savings or lower emissions. Cosmetic upgrades or routine maintenance are not covered.

How to Apply for the Building Retrofits Initiative

BRI does not use a short online application like most grants. It uses a project-based financing process similar to infrastructure lending.

Steps in the application process:

Project scoping
- Define the buildings, retrofit measures, and total project cost
- Prepare energy models or feasibility studies
Initial engagement with CIB
- Submit basic project information
- Discuss eligibility, project size, and financing structure
Due diligence
- Technical, financial, and emissions impact review
- Confirm ability to repay the loan
Financing agreement
- Finalize loan terms
- Funds released based on project milestones

Because BRI is for large projects, good preparation is important. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry, and find other incentives that can be used with BRI financing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking BRI is a grant
BRI provides repayable financing. Your project must be able to pay back the loan through energy savings or operating revenue.
Not matching project size expectations
BRI is aimed at large, multi-building, or major retrofit projects. Small, single-building upgrades may be better for rebates.
Applying without good energy data
Projects need solid estimates of energy savings and emissions reductions. Weak or missing data can delay approval.
Missing out on stacking opportunities
BRI financing can be used together with provincial rebates or tax credits. Planning for this can maximize your funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Building Retrofits Initiative a grant or a loan?
BRI provides repayable, low-cost financing, not a non-repayable grant. Projects repay the loan over time, often using energy cost savings.

Q: What types of buildings qualify for BRI financing?
Commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings are all eligible. Both public and privately owned buildings can qualify.

Q: Can private companies and REITs apply?
Yes. Private corporations, portfolio owners, and real estate investment trusts are eligible applicants under the program.

Q: Are renewable energy systems like solar eligible?
Yes, on-site renewable energy installations that support building energy use are eligible retrofit costs under BRI.

Q: Is there a minimum project size?
BRI generally focuses on larger projects with meaningful emissions impact. While there is no public minimum dollar amount, small upgrades may not be competitive.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and financing programs across Canada—many businesses use BRI together with provincial energy efficiency incentives or clean technology rebates.

Next Steps

If you’re planning a major retrofit or managing a group of buildings, the Building Retrofits Initiative can be a key part of your financing plan. Start by confirming your project size and expected energy savings, then see how BRI can work with other incentives. GrantHub can help you compare programs and plan your next steps with confidence.

Building Retrofits Initiative (BRI): How to Apply + Eligible Retrofit Costs