GMF supports net-zero transformation

GMF’s Net-Zero Transformation offer develops and demonstrates new solutions to support the municipal transition to net-zero* greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It aims to help Canadian municipalities of all sizes, and their partners, undertake innovative and replicable initiatives that have significant GHG reduction benefits, and that are not eligible under other GMF funding offers.   

*Net-zero is defined as eliminating operational and embodied GHG emissions wherever possible and re-absorbing the equivalent of any remaining emissions.

We fund plansfeasibility studiespilots and capital projects that support outstanding projects by all Canadian municipalities in various areas of innovation.

What we fund

Examples of what we fund include, but are not limited to:

  • Retrofit techniques that significantly reduce costs and shorten payback periods.
  • Funding mechanisms or incentives to accelerate zero-carbon new builds and retrofits.
  • Regenerative buildings that contribute net-positive environmental benefits.
  • Microgrids and battery storage that help meet peak electricity demand and add resilience to local grids.
  • Integrated modal shift and transportation demand management (TDM) strategies that address potential rebound effects.
  • Resilient, net-zero, inclusive and complete neighbourhoods.
  • Net-zero and net-positive water and wastewater systems.
  • Local circular economy initiatives for apparel textiles or construction / demolition materials that currently go to landfill.
  • Bio-covers or bio-filters for landfill gas mitigation for small or inactive landfills.
  • Brownfield initiatives that apply in-situ remediation approaches, employ renewable energy, reuse soil and demolition materials, and restore the site’s ecological features.


Net-Zero Transformation initiatives do not have pre-set environmental targets/thresholds because the projects are unique and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Project scopes can be:

  • geographical (e.g., a neighbourhood, city or region)
  • sectoral (e.g., transportation sector)
  • organizational (e.g., the municipal government)
  • at an asset level (e.g., related to the life-cycle emissions of a building)
  • at a component level (e.g., related to a specific material or technology)

Benefits

  • Reduce GHG emissions in line with Canada’s 2030 and 2050 targets.
  • Develop, test or apply new knowledge or approaches.
  • Improve performance.
  • Address key municipal challenges.

What we do not fund

  • Projects that are eligible under another GMF funding offer.
  • Projects that do not involve one of the following:
    • The development and/or application of new knowledge, policy, practice, business model, or advanced technology.
    • A new or emerging application of an existing technology or practice (e.g., in a new context) in a manner that represents a substantive change to current operating conditions or performance.

Available funding

We support projects at various stages of development through grants and loans. Funding amounts are based on total eligible costs. Further details on eligible costs are provided on individual funding pages.

Plan: Net-Zero Transformation

Conduct integrated planning exercises to support the municipal transition to net-zero

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Study: Net-Zero Transformation

Assess new approaches and solutions to bring your community closer to net-zero

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Pilot: Net-Zero Transformation

Evaluate innovative GHG reduction solutions in real-world conditions

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Capital project: Net-Zero Transformation

Deploy a full scale best-in-class GHG reduction solution

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Featured Resources

Our free learning resources build your knowledge in developing sustainable projects and accelerate your community’s transition to a resilient, net-zero future.

Have questions about Net-Zero Transformation?

Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.

Climate and sustainability funding for municipalities

Upgrade infrastructure, meet your local climate objectives, and contribute to a net-zero Canada by 2050.

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Delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, GMF manages approximately $2.4B in programs funded by the Government of Canada.