CMHC Increases Premium Refunds for Energy Efficient Houses

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 22, 2016) - Effective immediately, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is increasing its CMHC Green Home premium refund from 10% to as much as 25% depending on the level of energy-efficiency achieved. Introduced in 2004, CMHC Green Home offers a partial premium refund to borrowers who buy, build or renovate for energy efficiency using CMHC-insured financing.

CMHC is also updating the eligibility requirements to reflect changes to the EnerGuide Rating System. CMHC is Canada's only mortgage insurer prepared to accept applications for homes assessed using either the current 0-100 scale or the new gigajoule scale. The enhancements demonstrate CMHC's leadership in the mortgage insurance industry.

Additional information on CMHC Green Home can be found at www.cmhc.ca/greenhome

This release includes video.

As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need and offers objective housing research and information to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry.

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QUOTES

"CMHC is committed to fostering energy-efficient housing in Canada. Improving energy efficiency not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also lowers the cost of owning and maintaining a home."

Steven Mennill, Senior Vice President, Insurance, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Backgrounder

• Energy accounts for nearly 8% of total household expenditures. On average, Canadian households spent $4,434 on energy in 2012. Lower-income households spend a larger share of their disposable income on energy.
• CMHC has provided nearly 8,000 refunds worth over $10 million since CMHC Green Home was introduced in 2004.
• Homeowners have up to two years from the closing date to apply for a premium refund through CMHC Green Home.