Key points

• The largest panelized deep energy retrofit project undertaken in Canada
• 59 housing units upgraded
• Natural gas use completely eliminated
• 330 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions eliminated annually
• Up to $100,000 potential annual savings in energy costs 

Summary

Sundance Housing Co-operative in Edmonton has taken bold steps to modernize its original 59-unit townhouse complex built in the late 1970s. Through a member-led process, the co-op committed to a deep energy retrofit that combined prefabricated wall panels, improved insulation, new windows and doors and upgraded roofing and ventilation systems with full electrification and rooftop solar panels.

The result is a community that has completely eliminated natural gas use and reduced energy consumption by up to 84 percent, and hopes for as much as $100,000 in annual savings. Residents now live in quieter, more comfortable homes—warm in the winter and cool in the summer—while contributing to Canada’s climate goals. The project is also recognized as the largest panelized retrofit ever undertaken in the country.

Background

Sundance Housing Co-operative is a mixed-income community in Edmonton with 78 units, including a 59-townhouse complex that forms the original core of the co-op. When first built in the late 1970s, these townhomes were considered relatively energy efficient. But by the mid-2010s, Sundance had to deal with aging buildings requiring substantial upgrades in order to meet evolving standards, extend their lifespan and keep homes comfortable for residents.

In 2015, the Sundance Planning and Development Committee began exploring how to approach renovations. They wanted to avoid piecemeal repairs and instead take a comprehensive approach that would address structural needs while also contributing to climate action. The committee saw an opportunity for Sundance to become a leader in eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and to live up to its co-op values of affordability, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

A key source of inspiration was Energiesprong, a Dutch retrofit technique that uses pre-made wall panels, thick insulation and renewable energy systems to create ultra-efficient homes. Members were also keen to participate in Canada’s journey toward net zero by eliminating fossil fuel use and reducing their pull on the energy grid, thereby significantly lowering their carbon footprint.

“If people care about the future of the earth and their children, then there’s a path forward for them—you can make a difference.” —Sandy Susut, Sundance resident and planning and development committee member

The challenge

The challenge Sundance faced was clear: How could the co-op renovate its 59 original townhomes in a way that maximized efficiency, extended their life, improved comfort and aligned with member values—all while keeping housing affordable?

The buildings themselves presented hurdles. Features such as basements and roof overhangs made these retrofits more complex and costly than similar Energiesprong projects in the Netherlands. The co-op also had to find ways to manage financing without passing unmanageable costs on to residents.

The approach

In 2017, Sundance hired the Communitas Group and ReNu Engineering to conduct building assessments and explore renovation and financing options. This work unfolded in two critical steps:

1. Member engagement: Co-op members were deeply involved in shaping the project. Together, they defined the values that would guide decision making: accessibility, affordability, co-op spirit, engagement, health and well-being, inclusiveness, pride of ownership, environmental sustainability and long-term viability.
2. Building condition assessment, including energy modelling: Consultants presented three renovation options:
    
   1. Refurbishment: Minimal upgrades, postponing major work until windows required replacement.
   2. Retrofit to current code: Adding insulation, bringing homes up to modern building standards and replacing cladding, gutters and downspouts.
   3. Deep energy retrofit: Maximizing efficiency with new insulation, ventilation, windows, doors, exterior fixtures, cladding and roofing.

Each option was scored against the co-op’s values. The deep energy retrofit was the clear choice. Members also recognized the opportunity to go further: replacing natural gas furnaces with electric heat pumps and installing rooftop solar panels to eliminate fossil fuel use entirely.

The solutions and results

The project began with a pilot stage involving two homes, allowing the co-op to test how prefabricated wall panels would be installed and how they would perform. This pilot informed the larger retrofit of all 59 units.

Throughout the process, the Sundance Planning and Development Committee took the lead on research, paperwork and coordination with project managers and the design-build construction company—but major decisions were always made collectively by the membership.

Key upgrades included:

• All-new building envelope created by placing prefabricated panels over existing cladding on all exterior walls, with much more effective insulation blown in.
• New roofs with higher-value insulation built over existing roofs.
• Basements insulated from the outside down to the footings with high-density foam.
• Installation of more-efficient exterior doors and windows.
• Replacement of natural gas with electric air-source heat pumps and hot water tanks.
• Addition of modern air ventilation systems, as required for such airtight buildings.
• Bright-coloured Hardie Board cladding reminiscent of the Maritimes.
• Installation of rooftop solar panels, which went online in the summer of 2025.

Once these measures were in place, the impact was immediate and tangible: quiet, well-sealed homes requiring much less energy. When the solar panels went online, household energy bills dropped even more. Members noticed that their homes were noticeably more comfortable, especially during Edmonton’s hot summers, thanks to the improved insulation and added cooling capacity. The new windows and wall systems also made units quieter, creating calmer living spaces.

The benefits extend well beyond comfort. 

With natural gas eliminated entirely, the community is now preventing an estimated 330 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. Rooftop solar provides 78 percent of the co-op’s energy needs, reducing reliance on external energy sources and insulating residents from price fluctuations. 

Financially, the co-op hopes to save up to $100,000 annually thanks to a reduction in externally supplied energy use of up to 84 percent, strengthening affordability for members long into the future. They look forward to calculating actual figures after a full year of solar credits.

Perhaps just as importantly, the project has strengthened pride and connection within the community. The bright new facades have given the townhomes a fresh, distinctive look, while members see their collective decision to eliminate fossil fuels as proof that small communities can lead on climate solutions. By carrying out the largest retrofit in Canada completed using prefab panels, Sundance has also set a precedent that other co-ops and housing providers can follow.

Lessons learned

Undertaking such an ambitious retrofit was not without challenges. The unique design of Sundance’s buildings—including basements and roof overhangs—proved more complicated to work with than originally anticipated. These features affected both costs and timelines, reminding the co-op that even well-researched plans must adapt to the realities of construction.

One crucial step is finding the best resource providers who are committed to addressing the climate crisis. A big lesson is the importance of having experienced project management familiar with co-op housing and funding possibilities, as was provided to Sundance by the Communitas Group, as well as a skilled construction company such as Sundance partner Butterwick Projects.

Equally, the social side of a long-term construction project required careful attention. Living through years of construction tested members’ patience, but strategies including education workshops and regular retrofit newsletters helped keep people engaged, as did opportunities to customize elements such as door colours, to select exterior doors and screen doors and to decide whether to upgrade windows. These efforts gave residents a sense of ownership and control during a disruptive experience. Members were also able to participate in big decisions such as adding solar panels and selecting a green energy provider.

Another important lesson was the value of strong leadership. The project demanded countless hours of planning, research, administration, coordination and problem-solving. Having a dedicated and experienced planning and development committee made it possible to keep the retrofit moving forward, even during overwhelming periods. At times, the committee recognized the need to pause, regroup and avoid burnout—a reminder that long-term community projects require not just technical expertise, but also stamina and care for the people leading them. “Keep Calm and Carry On” was adopted by the committee as its motto.

“Housing co-ops are such an opportunity for people to work collaboratively to make a much bigger impact than any one individual could.” —Sandy Susut, Sundance resident and planning and development committee member

Next steps

With the construction phase complete, Sundance is now turning its attention to how the new systems will perform over time and how residents can get the most from them. Education is a key focus: Members are being supported to understand how to use heat pumps efficiently, monitor their own energy use and adjust habits to maximize savings.

To track performance, the co-op will evaluate the system annually for the next five years. This monitoring will ensure that the retrofits deliver the promised energy savings and emissions reductions. 

A new digital dashboard has also been developed. The hope is that it will give the co-op real-time access to information on how much energy the solar panels are generating and how much the community is using.

These steps will help Sundance not only measure the success of its retrofit but also strengthen its culture of shared responsibility and learning. Just as members worked together to make decisions during planning and construction, they will now collaborate to ensure the community benefits fully from its investment in a fossil fuel-free future.

When Kim Hodgkinson first moved into her 1,200-square-foot bungalow in Colchester, Nova Scotia, she knew the home needed work, especially when it came to energy efficiency. “The heat pump didn’t work. The oil system was running constantly. It was never really warm, and our power bills were high,” she recalls. As a single mother of three daughters, Kim needed a solution that would be affordable, reliable and practical for a busy household.

That solution came through Cozy Colchester, the Municipality of Colchester’s residential energy financing program. Cozy Colchester offers low-interest loans for energy upgrades like heat pumps, insulation, windows and doors—without the burden of upfront costs.

For Kim, the program made it possible to install a new heat pump and replace drafty exterior doors—upgrades that have already improved her home’s comfort and efficiency. “It’s made a huge difference,” she says. “The house stays warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and I’ve already noticed a drop in my power bill.”

Finding the right fit

Kim first heard about the Cozy Colchester program through a radio ad and later noticed the municipality’s branded vehicle driving through town. “I thought, okay, this sounds like something I need to look into,” she says. “I went to the website, and it had everything laid out clearly. It was super easy to understand.”

Before applying to Cozy Colchester, Kim accessed Efficiency Nova Scotia, which helped remove her oil system and install electric baseboard heaters. The two programs complemented each other well: Efficiency Nova Scotia handled the fuel switch, while Cozy Colchester funded the more substantial upgrades, including the new heat pump and doors.

“The timing worked perfectly,” Kim explains. “I applied to Cozy Colchester just as I was finishing up with Efficiency Nova Scotia. They really stacked well together.”

A straightforward, supportive process

Like other program participants, Kim was struck by how easy the municipal process was. “The application was very clear. The repayment schedule was clearly explained. There were no surprises,” she says.

One of the program’s most helpful features, she adds, was that the municipality paid the contractor directly. “That made a big difference,” she says. “I didn’t have to front the money and wait to be reimbursed, which made it financially manageable.”

Communication throughout the process was another high point. “Every time I had a question, someone got back to me quickly. They explained everything in plain language. I felt supported and confident that I wasn’t missing anything.”

Kim’s repayment is set up as a simple monthly payment through the municipality—an approach she says makes budgeting easy. “It just gets taken care of. I don’t have to worry about juggling payments or paperwork.”

Comfort, air quality, and everyday impact

The results of the upgrades were noticeable almost immediately. “The heat pump has made a huge difference, especially with the air quality,” Kim says. “It feels fresher in the house, and it’s a much more even temperature.”

For her three daughters, the difference has been even more tangible. “They used to complain that the house was cold all the time,” she laughs. “Now it actually feels comfortable, especially in the evenings.”

Kim’s electricity bills have already gone down, and she expects further improvements once the new doors are installed this fall. “We’ve still got a few things to finish up,” she says, “but even now, I can see the savings.”

Encouraging others to apply

Kim says she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Cozy Colchester program to other homeowners. “If you’re thinking about doing upgrades and don’t want to deal with upfront costs or complicated paperwork, this is the way to go,” she says. “The loan is affordable, the program is easy to navigate and you’re making your home better in the process.”

She’s especially grateful that the program is designed with flexibility in mind. “You don’t have to do everything all at once,” she notes. “You can start with one or two upgrades that make sense for your home and your budget.”

A simple path to a more efficient home

Launched in 2019 and expanded with support from GMF, the Cozy Colchester program has helped rural homeowners across the region make meaningful improvements to their homes, whether through solar, insulation, heating systems or air sealing. By paying contractors directly, offering flexible repayment terms and keeping the application process clear and accessible, the program is helping households like Kim’s save energy and improve comfort without financial strain.
For Kim, the difference is more than just a lower power bill. “I feel proud of what I’ve been able to do with my home,” she says. “And I know my kids feel better in it too. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about having a home that really works for us.”

Cozy Colchester is funded by the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), a program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
 

When Zeynin Juma and her husband bought their bungalow in southwest Calgary in 2021, they knew it was the right fit for their family’s future. Nestled in a quiet crescent, the 1958 home offered space, privacy, and even the occasional deer in the yard. But moving in also came with new needs: a major fireplace installation, added air conditioning, and higher electricity use than expected. To keep their home comfortable and future-proof while managing costs, Zeynin turned to solar power. “Our place gets so much sun—it just made sense,” she says. “Solar was really the only option that could offset the added energy load.”

From Greener Homes to Calgary’s CEIP

Zeynin first accessed the federal Greener Homes program in 2021. Through it, she received a $5,000 grant and a $25,000 loan to cover her initial rooftop solar system, installed on her detached garage by a local contractor. But the new electric fireplace drew far more energy than expected, leaving Zeynin with both a monthly electricity bill and the solar loan repayment. When she tried to apply for a second Greener Homes loan in 2022, she learned that homeowners were only eligible once.

“That’s when our contractor told me about the City of Calgary’s Residential Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP),” Zeynin recalls. “It was a lifesaver.” Through the City of Calgary, she secured another $17,000 to expand the solar system. The loan was added to her property taxes, spreading repayments over 20 years at a low interest rate. “It only added about 50 dollars a month. That made it doable,” she says

White-glove support

Zeynin describes Calgary’s process as “white glove” compared to her earlier experience. With Greener Homes, she had to pay contractors upfront, raise her credit card limit, and wait for reimbursement. “CEIP took care of everything. They dealt directly with the installer, managed payments, collected serial numbers—things I didn’t even understand. I just paid a couple hundred dollars for the energy assessment and that was it,” Zeynin explains. “It was easy, stress-free, and made sense on paper.”

Comfort, food and joy

The impact goes beyond bills. The upgraded solar system has made the home more comfortable, especially in the basement, which now maintains a steady, livable temperature. It has also fueled Zeynin’s passion for gardening. With reliable, affordable electricity, she and her husband started an indoor garden. “We routinely grow fresh lettuce, cilantro, fennel, and even beets in the basement—even when it’s snowing outside,” she says. “You can’t really put a price tag on that joy.” Looking ahead, Zeynin is considering how solar could support an electric vehicle, as well as future upgrades on her rental duplex. The City of Calgary has already approved both sides of the property for financing, opening the door to lower costs and healthier homes for her tenants.
Advice to others

Zeynin encourages other homeowners to act quickly and not get hung up on the upfront numbers. “Do it now. Don’t wait. It might not look like it makes sense on paper in the first few months, but by year one you really see the benefits,” she says. “And if it doesn’t cover everything the first time, you can always go back. There are programs to help you get it right.” For Zeynin, the decision was both practical and personal. “Solar brings me huge joy,” she says. “Living in Calgary, with so much sun, it just makes sense.”

Calgary's Clean Energy Improvement Program is funded by the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), a program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

When Purnima Govindarajulu received a flyer from the District of Saanich, British Columbia, tucked into her utility bill, she almost dismissed it. “It talked about a pilot program offering financing for energy upgrades,” she recalls. “At first, I wasn’t sure if it was relevant. But it came at just the right time.”

Purnima had already been thinking about replacing her home’s aging oil furnace. “Our oil tank was nearing end of life, and I didn’t want to invest in another one,” she says. “I’d been wanting to switch to something cleaner for years.”

That flyer introduced her to Saanich’s Heat Pump Financing Program, that offered local homeowners a simple way to access up to $12,000 in zero-interest financing for eligible upgrades repaid gradually through the property tax bill.

Choosing comfort and clean energy

Purnima decided to participate in the pilot and used the financing to replace her oil furnace with a modern heat pump system. She also stacked the financing with a $5,000 federal rebate through the Greener Homes Canada program, covering a significant portion of the project cost.

The change has been noticeable. “The heat is more comfortable—gentler and more even,” she says. “It’s also so much quieter, and we’ve felt a real improvement in air quality.”

Purnima had already invested in other energy upgrades over the years, including solar panels, window sealing, insulation and a high-efficiency fireplace insert. But removing oil felt like the most impactful step. “It’s cleaner, safer and it was something I’d wanted to do for a long time,” she explains. “This program just made it financially possible.”

A smooth, municipal-led process

One of the standout features of the Saanich pilot was its accessibility. From application to loan approval, Purnima found the process straightforward. “Everything was clear, and I felt like there was a human on the other end,” she says. “It wasn’t complicated or intimidating.”

The program’s structure allows for direct contractor payment from the municipality, so homeowners don’t need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Loan repayments are spread over 10 years and applied directly to participants’ annual property tax bills.

Purnima appreciated how the municipality managed the process. “It was well-communicated, and I always knew what to expect,” she says. While she experienced some minor contractor delays, she emphasizes that the municipality remained responsive and helpful throughout.

Lasting benefits, local leadership

Beyond immediate comfort, Purnima is pleased to know she’s no longer burning oil. “It feels good,” she says. “We’re not dependent on a fuel that’s becoming less and less viable, and we’re contributing to something better.”

While she isn’t sure of the exact cost savings—largely due to her solar panels offsetting electricity use—she’s confident that the investment was worthwhile. “This was about the long-term,” she explains. “About health, climate and peace of mind.”

She also sees local governments playing an essential role in accelerating retrofits across Canada. “Having the municipality involved made it feel trustworthy,” she says. “You know it’s not a scam, and it helps you navigate all the moving pieces.”

Advice for other homeowners: Start with a plan

For others considering a retrofit, Purnima recommends beginning with an energy assessment. “It helps you understand where your home is losing energy and what will make the biggest difference,” she says.

From there, she suggests making a prioritized list based on budget and impact. “You don’t have to do everything at once. I did solar panels years ago. Then insulation. Then windows. And now the heat pump,” she explains. “Every step builds on the last.”

And while rebates and financing help, she stresses the importance of timing. “Sometimes the opportunity comes when you’re not expecting it. If it’s the right time and the support is there—go for it.”

A scalable model for home energy action

The District of Saanich’s financing pilot reached 53 households and demonstrated strong demand for simple, locally delivered energy upgrade supports. The District of Saanich also collaborated with the Capital Region District to launch a retrofit support service called the Home Energy Navigator. The Navigator helps homeowners plan their retrofits, access rebates and get advice and support along the journey.

For Purnima, the program offered not just financing—but momentum. “It helped us take the next step,” she says. “And now we have a home that’s healthier, more efficient and aligned with our values.”

Saanich’s Heat Pump Financing Program is funded by the Green Municipal Fund, a program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 

When Christina Lycan and her family moved just outside Truro, Nova Scotia, in 2021, they were looking for more space to grow—but with a larger home came higher energy bills. “We knew our power costs were going to go up,” Christina says. “So we started looking into how we could offset that and do it in a way that was sustainable for the long term.”

That search led Christina to Cozy Colchester, the Municipality of Colchester’s local Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. The program provides low-interest loans for solar and energy efficiency upgrades. With no upfront costs and repayment spread over 10 to 15 years, the program is designed to make home energy improvements more accessible to rural homeowners.

For Christina, the timing was ideal. “It really felt like a win-win-win,” she says. “The loan made it affordable, and we could also stack it with provincial and federal rebates.”

A two-phase journey toward efficiency

Christina’s upgrade journey happened in two phases based on the availability of rebates and her family’s evolving energy needs. In the first phase, she installed a solar panel system and accessed the federal government’s Greener Homes grant and loan.

Shortly after, the family installed an electric hot water tank and three mini-split heat pumps to replace their original oil-based heating system. “Once the heat pumps were in, our electricity use went up,” she says, “but we knew we could come back for a second round of solar through Cozy Colchester, and that’s exactly what we did.”

Phase two included an expanded solar array and, thanks to changes in the electrical code, the addition of a Tesla Powerwall battery backup system—something that turned out to be a game-changer. “When we found out the battery backup could be added for less than expected, we asked the county if we could increase our loan,” Christina explains. “They said yes right away. We just sent an updated invoice and had the amended loan documents within days.”

A responsive, streamlined process

Throughout both phases of her retrofit journey, Christina found the municipal process to be straightforward and refreshingly human. “With Cozy Colchester, everything was easy,” she says. “Any time I had a question, I’d get a reply within 24 hours, even if it was just to say, ‘We’re looking into it.’”

One standout feature was how the municipality facilitated communication between homeowners and contractors. “They kept my contractor in the loop at every step,” Christina recalls. “Everyone was always on the same page.”

Unlike some programs that require homeowners to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement, Cozy Colchester paid contractors directly, removing a major financial barrier. “We weren’t out of pocket, and we didn’t have to juggle logistics ourselves,” she says. “That peace of mind made a big difference.”

Everyday comfort and long-term resilience

The upgrades have brought immediate and lasting benefits to the Lycan household. “After the first solar array was installed, our electricity bill dropped to just the connection fee,” Christina says. “And since replacing the oil system, we’ve significantly reduced our overall energy costs.”

Beyond savings, the upgrades have significantly improved the comfort and livability of the home, especially for her kids. “The heat pumps have been amazing in the summer,” she says. “After a long day of playing outside, it’s a relief for them to come inside and cool down.”

And in a region increasingly affected by extreme weather, the battery backup system has provided an extra layer of resilience. “After Hurricane Fiona, a lot of homes were without power for a week,” Christina explains. “We’re on a well, so without power we don’t just lose lights—we lose water. Now, with the battery, I know my kids can still get a drink, flush the toilet and stay safe. That’s huge.”

Advice for other homeowners

Christina’s message for other homeowners is simple: “Don’t wait. If you have the opportunity and the means, do it now. You never know when these programs or rebates might change.”

She also encourages people to look into municipal programs like Cozy Colchester as an alternative—or complement—to federal options. “We were grateful to have used the Greener Homes loan too, but the municipal process was much smoother,” she says. “Whatever municipalities are doing, it’s working.”

Supporting rural households and community climate action

The Cozy Colchester program was originally launched in 2019 and later expanded with support from GMF. The updated program now funds both solar installations and deep energy retrofits for rural homeowners, while offering tailored support through local energy consultants, vetted contractors and partnerships with Efficiency Nova Scotia.

For Christina, the program offered more than just financial assistance—it provided reassurance, responsiveness and a clear path forward. “We were able to make real changes to our home that support our family and the environment,” she says. “And we did it in a way that was manageable, affordable and supported every step of the way.”

Cozy Colchester is funded by the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), a program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).