Durham Region is expanding support for homeowners and tenants through the growing Durham Greener Homes program, introducing free home assessments and a new low-interest loan option focused on energy efficiency and climate readiness.
The updated Durham Greener Homes program was officially launched during the Durham Home Energy and Electric Vehicle Expo held on May 2. Regional officials say the initiative is designed to help residents better prepare their homes for extreme weather while reducing long-term energy costs.
A key feature of the expanded Durham Greener Homes program is the new Weather-Ready Home Assessment, which is available free of charge to homeowners, landlords, and tenants across Durham Region. The assessment helps residents understand how their homes may be affected by challenges such as extreme heat, cold temperatures, flooding, and windstorms.
The Weather-Ready Home Assessment can be completed either virtually or through an on-site visit. Participants receive a personalized report outlining recommendations tailored to their property. Suggestions may include simple do-it-yourself improvements or larger retrofit projects aimed at improving comfort, energy efficiency, and weather resilience.
The Durham Greener Homes program is delivered in partnership with the Windfall Ecology Centre, which works with residents to guide them through energy-saving upgrades and sustainability improvements.
In addition to the free assessments, Durham Region has introduced the Durham Greener Homes Loan Program, providing low-interest financing to help residents complete eligible home retrofit projects. The program supports upgrades such as insulation improvements, air sealing, and heat pump installations.
Officials say the financing option will help residents move beyond planning and actually complete home energy improvements. Residents who work with a Durham Greener Homes coach can also learn about additional rebates and incentives connected to energy retrofits.
One added benefit within the Durham Greener Homes program includes an extra $5,000 incentive available for Whitby residents pursuing deeper energy-efficiency upgrades.
Regional Chair and CEO John Henry said the expanded Durham Greener Homes program aims to make sustainability more accessible for residents while helping households improve comfort and reduce utility costs.
The launch comes at a time when many residents are already focused on spring home improvement projects. Officials believe the program will encourage homeowners to make upgrades that support long-term environmental and financial benefits.
As climate concerns and energy costs continue to rise, the Durham Greener Homes program is expected to play a growing role in helping residents create more efficient and weather-ready homes across the region.
