Built Green Gold & CMHC Eco Plus Rebate: A 2026 Edmonton New Construction Guide
When you’re buying a brand-new home in Edmonton — whether it’s in Keswick, Kinglet Gardens, The Orchards, or any other vibrant community — understanding the rebates and incentives available to you can make a big difference in your home-buying budget.
One of the most valuable incentives for energy-efficient new homes is the CMHC Eco Plus Rebate, which offers a refund on your mortgage loan insurance premium when you purchase a newly built, energy-efficient home that qualifies under selected green certification standards — including Built Green® Gold.
This guide breaks down what the Eco Plus rebate is, how Built Green® Gold fits into it, who qualifies, and exactly how Edmonton buyers can take advantage.
Understanding the CMHC Eco Plus Rebate
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency. One of the ways CMHC helps Canadians afford homeownership — and supports national energy-efficiency goals — is through the Eco Plus Rebate (previously known as the CMHC Green Home rebate).
Here’s the core idea:
- If you buy or build a new energy-efficient home and your mortgage is insured by CMHC, you may qualify for a refund of up to 25% of your CMHC mortgage loan insurance premium.
Mortgage loan insurance is typically required if your down payment is less than 20%, and it protects the lender if you can’t repay your mortgage. The Eco Plus rebate basically gives you back a portion of that insurance cost — putting real money back into your hands.
Why This Matters in Edmonton
In the Edmonton market, many new construction homes — from townhomes to detached houses — are now being marketed with energy-efficient features. Builders are increasingly focused on higher performance, not only because it’s better for homeowners — lower utility costs, better comfort — but also because it aligns with federal and provincial efficiency goals.
The Eco Plus rebate provides a financial incentive to choose these high-performance new homes — and it can mean thousands back at closing or after your purchase.
What Does “Energy-Efficient” Mean for This Rebate?
To qualify for the CMHC Eco Plus rebate, the home must be:
📌 Financed with mortgage insurance from CMHC
📌 A newly built home that has never been occupied
📌 Energy-efficient — meaning it has an official certification or meets a high energy efficiency rating
Homes that meet recognized energy-efficiency standards — like Built Green® Gold, ENERGY STAR®, R-2000, or similar programs — automatically qualify for the full 25% refund.
One such standard is Built Green® Gold certification — a widely respected program in Canada that verifies a home’s energy performance, building envelope quality, and efficiency measures. Homes built to this standard are considered “green” and energy efficient enough to qualify for the 25% premium refund under CMHC’s Eco Plus program.
Built Green® Gold: What It Means
Built Green Canada offers different certification levels for homes based on energy efficiency and sustainability measures. A Built Green® Gold home has been constructed with features that improve energy performance, insulation, and overall environmental impact compared to a standard build.
In practical terms, this means:
- Better insulation and airtightness
- High-efficiency windows and doors
- High-efficiency heating and ventilation systems
- Reduced energy consumption and utility costs
When a home is Built Green® Gold certified, it’s automatically recognized under CMHC’s Eco Plus program as eligible for the 25% rebate on the mortgage insurance premium.
How Much Can Edmonton Buyers Save?
Let’s put this into a typical Edmonton example.
Imagine you’re putting down 10% on a $500,000 newly built home built to Built Green® Gold standards:
- Mortgage amount (90%): $450,000
- CMHC mortgage insurance premium (approx. 3.1%): $13,950
- Eco Plus rebate (25% of the premium): ~$3,487
That rebate could mean almost $3,500 back in your pocket. You could use it for closing costs, furniture, landscaping, or simply to save on your upfront expenses.
That’s money that many Edmonton buyers overlook — but it’s real savings tied to choosing a high-performance home.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Eco Plus rebate, you must:
✔ Finance your home with CMHC mortgage loan insurance
✔ Purchase or build a newly constructed home that has never been occupied
✔ Provide a certificate showing the home meets a recognized energy-efficiency standard (like Built Green® Gold) or demonstrate a strong energy efficiency rating under the EnerGuide system (NRCan)
You have a 24-month window from the date of closing to apply for the rebate, so you don’t necessarily need to claim it right at closing — but you do need to submit within that timeframe.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Here’s how you would apply for the CMHC Eco Plus rebate as an Edmonton buyer:
- Confirm the Home Qualifies
Ask your builder whether the home is Built Green® Gold certified or meets an eligible energy-efficiency standard.
- Obtain Documentation
You’ll need a certificate from the builder or an EnerGuide label confirming the home’s performance.
- Ensure Your Mortgage Is CMHC-Insured
If your down payment is less than 20%, mortgage loan insurance through CMHC is required — which makes you eligible for the rebate.
- Complete the Rebate Application
Fill out the Eco Plus rebate form on the CMHC website. You will include your mortgage insurance details and the energy certification documentation.
- Submit Within 24 Months of Closing
CMHC allows up to two years after closing to file the rebate application.
Once approved, CMHC refunds up to 25% of the premium directly to you.
Beyond the Rebate: Long-Term Value
The CMHC Eco Plus rebate isn’t just a one-time refund — it’s part of a larger value equation:
📉 Lower Energy Bills Over Time
Energy-efficient homes, like those Built Green® Gold certified, tend to consume less energy, which can mean lower utility bills year after year.
📈 Higher Resale Value
Energy-efficient homes are increasingly valued by buyers who know they will save on heating, cooling, and maintenance costs.
🌿 Better Comfort & Indoor Air Quality
Built Green® homes often offer better ventilation, improved insulation, and a more comfortable year-round living environment.
So it’s not just a rebate — it’s an investment in long-term affordability and comfort.
Why Edmonton Buyers Should Care
Edmonton’s real estate market has changed dramatically in recent years. With rising construction costs and interest rates remaining an important factor, buyers are seeking any advantage that improves affordability without compromising quality.
Choosing energy-efficient new construction that qualifies for rebates like Eco Plus gives you:
- Immediate savings at closing
- Ongoing savings on monthly energy costs
- Strong resale potential
These are financial benefits you can evaluate alongside neighbourhood, schools, commute times, and builder reputation — not after the fact.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
When you’re touring new construction homes in Edmonton, make sure to ask:
🔹 “Is this home Built Green® Gold certified?”
🔹 “Does this home qualify for the CMHC Eco Plus rebate?”
🔹 “Can you provide the certificate or EnerGuide rating?”
🔹 “Has my mortgage insurer included this rebate info?”
These simple questions can determine whether you leave thousands of dollars on the table — or take advantage of government-backed savings.
Finding Homes That Qualify
Not all new builds in Edmonton automatically qualify for the Eco Plus rebate — only those that meet recognized energy-efficiency standards like Built Green® Gold or equivalent.
When you’re working with a realtor, make sure they filter available inventory for homes that:
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Are newly built and never lived in
-
Have high energy performance ratings or certifications
-
Come from builders familiar with green-building standards
Builders who are experienced with certified energy-efficient homes often highlight these features in their floor plans and marketing materials — and rightly so. These features benefit both your lifestyle and your bottom line.
Real Stories from Edmonton Buyers
Here’s how this has worked for Edmonton homeowners:
🔹 Young Couple, West Edmonton — Qualified for a 25% rebate on mortgage insurance when purchasing a Built Green® Gold townhome. The rebate helped cover closing costs.
🔹 Family in Southeast Edmonton — Bought a new energy-efficient detached home. The rebate, combined with lower utility bills, made the monthly cost more affordable than expected.
🔹 First-Time Buyer in North Edmonton — Used the rebate toward furniture and landscaping, improving move-in comfort.
These are real examples of how seemingly small rebates can have a big impact on your total home purchasing experience.
Building Green Is a Smart Move — Financially and Environmentally
The Eco Plus rebate isn’t just a financial incentive — it’s part of a broader trend toward sustainable home building that benefits:
🌎 The environment
💰 Your wallet
🏡 Your long-term comfort
In Edmonton’s competitive new construction market, buyers who understand and leverage these incentives are in a better position to make smart, informed decisions that pay off for years.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a newly built home in Edmonton — whether in a master-planned community, a quiet family neighbourhood, or a modern infill project — the CMHC Eco Plus rebate deserves a spot on your decision checklist.
Here’s how it ties into your move:
✔ Real savings (up to 25% refund on CMHC mortgage insurance)
✔ Applies to energy-efficient homes like Built Green® Gold certified homes
✔ Requires documentation and application within 24 months of mortgage closing
✔ Can improve overall affordability and reduce long-term costs
✔ Supports a sustainable lifestyle
Don’t just buy a home — buy a home that works for you financially and environmentally.
