Using CMHC-insured financing to purchase an energy-efficient home or complete energy efficiency renovations has many benefits. You may beeligible to obtain a 10 per cent refund on the CMHC mortgage loan insurance premium, and a premium refund for a longer amortization period (ifapplicable).

More than 17 percent of the energy consumed in Canada is used to run our homes. Buying anenergy-efficient home or making energy-saving renovations can offer big savings in reduced energycosts over time.

Is the home I’m buying, building or renovating eligible?

For houses and units located in low rise residential buildings*:

- An NRCan EnerGuide (EGH) rating of 82 is required on purchase transactions in order to be eligiblefor CMHC Green Home or;

- Energy-efficient homes built under the following building programs also qualify:

ENERGY STAR® (National), R-2000 (National), LEED® Canada For Homes (National), Power SmartNew Homes (British Columbia), Built Green™ BC Platinum Label Homes (British Columbia), GreenHome™ and Super GreenHome™ (Yukon), Built Green™ Platinum Label Homes (Alberta), Power Smart™ (Manitoba), GreenHouse™ (Ontario), NovoclimatMC (Quebec).

Note: For LEED certified homes and Built Green certified homes (Gold, Silver and Bronze levels), anEnerguide evaluation is to be provided indicating the home meets the new CMHC requirement for anNRCan EnerGuide (EGH) rating of 82. For additional information on qualifying requirements and an upto date list of these programs visit the CMHC website www.cmhc.ca/greenhome.

For units located in high rise residential buildings*:Obtain a letter signed by the project engineer, builder / developer or Natural Resources Canadaindicating that the building in which the unit is located meets / exceeds the higher of: 5% moreenergy-efficient than if constructed to meet provincial / territorial requirements (where they exist) or20% more energy-efficient than if constructed to meet the Model National Energy Code for Buildings.The Condominium Corporation or builder / developer may be able to help you obtain the letter.

For energy-efficient renovations to your existing home:When energy efficiency improvements have been completed using CMHC-insured financing on or afterJanuary 1, 2005 you will need to provide assessment information completed by an NRCan qualifiedenergy advisor. Your home's energy efficiency rating must have increased by at least five points andto an overall minimum rating of 40.

Check out CMHC Green Home for more detailed information to help you determine your eligibility andto complete an on-line Energy-Efficient Premium Refund Form.

* Applicable when the mortgage closing date is on or after January 1st, 2013. Check out CMHC GreenHome at www.cmhc.ca/greenhome if the closing date of your mortgage is prior to January 1st, 2013.

Katy Borges Mortgage broker G2255

Hypotheca8925 Blvd St-Laurent Suite 130Montreal, Quebec, H2N 1M5Cell: (514) 668-5856kborges@hypotheca.cawww.kborges.hypotheca.ca

The information is provided by CMHC forgeneral illustrative purposes only, and does nottake into account the specific objectives,circumstances and individual needs of thereader. It does not provide advice, and shouldnot be relied upon in that regard. Theinformation is believed to be reliable, but itsaccuracy, completeness and currency cannotbe guaranteed. Neither CMHC and itsemployees nor any other party identified in thisArticle (Lender, Broker, etc.) assumes anyliability of any kind in connection with theinformation provided. CMHC stake holders arepermitted to distribute the materials at theirexpense. The above mentioned stake holderorganization is responsible for the distribution ofthis document.

For more homebuying tips, contact me or visit CMHC’s interactive Step by Step Guide at www.cmhc.ca. CMHC is Canada's largest provider of mortgage loaninsurance, helping Canadians buy a home with a minimum down payment of 5%. Ask your mortgage professional about CMHC.