Plan smarter building retrofits
The Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator provides free advisory services to help commercial and multi-residential building owners benchmark performance, navigate technical hurdles, and move retrofit projects from concept to completion.
Support for every stage of your retrofit journey
Expert guidance to help you plan, prioritize and advance retrofit projects — at no cost.
Whether you’re exploring early ideas or preparing for implementation, we can help you navigate the next steps.
Understand your opportunities
Start with clarity. Work with an energy advisor to pinpoint high-impact areas and align retrofit goals with your long-term capital plan.
Establish your baseline
Streamline your data, benchmark your buildings, and map your emissions. Lay the foundation for smart energy decisions.
Identify priority retrofit actions
Turn insight into action. Define your goals and secure internal support with strong, data-driven business cases.
Implement with confidence
Bring your vision to life. Get connected to reliable partners and tools that keep your retrofit on track and on budget.
Stay on track for the long term
Celebrate success and keep building momentum. Document your impact, pursue certifications, and access long-term support and learning.
Ready to get started?
Book a free session with an advisor to discuss your building’s unique needs and map out your next steps.
Eligibility
To participate in the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator support services, your building must meet the following criteria:
Eligible
Located within Hydro Ottawa’s service area
Existing commercial, institutional, or multi-unit residential (mid/high-rise)
Owned by a legally incorporated or registered entity in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
Not eligible
Industrial buildings
Learn more about other programs for businesses
Single, semi-detached, townhomes, or low-rise residential dwellings
Learn more about programs for homes
Federally owned buildings including departments, agencies and crown corporations
Use proven tools and templates
Explore the Learning Hub for tools, templates, case studies, and expert resources – all designed to help you plan, implement, and optimize your retrofit or energy management strategy.
Explore real case studies
Real retrofits. Real results.
Explore how building owners across sectors are cutting carbon, boosting efficiency, and improving tenant satisfaction — with clear strategies and measurable outcomes.
Building-specific playbooks
Strategies that fit your building type.
K–12 schools, healthcare, offices, retail, and multi-unit residential — each has a custom guide to help you retrofit smartly and cost-effectively.
Tools and resources
To support your retrofit journey.
Explore proven tools, calculators, and guidance from trusted sources — including ENERGY STAR, RETScreen, and NRCan's Retrofit Hub.
Request 1:1 guidance
Unsure where to start? Ask us.
Not sure which resources apply to you? Our team can point you to the right tools for your building, goals, and timeline.
We’re here to help.
No matter where you are in your retrofit journey.
FAQs:
While our direct project funding is currently fully subscribed, we continue to provide comprehensive advisory services at no cost. Our advisors act as your strategic partner to help you navigate the financial side of your retrofit by:
- Identifying external incentives: We help you find and "stack" 3rd-party grants and rebates from utilities and government agencies.
- Accessing financing: We provide guidance on securing low-interest loans through the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), FCM, and other lenders.
- Building the business case: We help you develop the data-backed reports needed to secure internal approval and private investment.
By getting your project "shovel-ready" with our technical support, you will be better positioned to take advantage of new funding streams as they become available.
The Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator offers a comprehensive suite of free support services to help you at every stage of your retrofit journey. These include:
- One-on-one coaching with expert energy advisors
- Help benchmarking your building and mapping your emissions
- Guidance on goal setting and strategic planning
- Technical support for applications, quotes, and documentation
- Help identifying available incentives and funding
- Long-term support to track progress, pursue certifications, and plan future projects
Energy advisors are technical experts who offer personalized guidance throughout your retrofit journey. They help you:
- Understand your energy use and identify opportunities
- Benchmark performance and organize emissions data
- Navigate incentive programs and eligibility
- Prepare applications and business cases
- Troubleshoot technical and project risks
- Stay on track from planning through implementation
Yes. All advisory services — including one-on-one consultations, data support, program navigation, and technical coaching — are provided free of charge for eligible buildings through the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator.
Energy advisors don’t sell you anything. Their role is to guide and support you — not deliver a specific solution or push a vendor. Think of them as your retrofit coach: neutral, trusted, and there to make your life easier.
Great! Your advisor can help interpret existing reports and integrate them into your retrofit strategy. You may still be eligible for additional support or funding depending on your building’s readiness and goals.
Yes, but each application must be submitted for a single property. If you manage multiple buildings, indicate this in your application, and our team will reach out to coordinate.
Mixed-use buildings are assessed based on the primary use of floor space (>50 per cent).
Example: A building that is 70 per cent retail and 30 per cent industrial would be eligible.
Contact us if you are unsure. We can help determine eligibility - [email protected] | 613-738-5474