Shell Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada national partnership
Sep. 25, 2024
Shell Canada has partnered with Habitat Canada to support their Sustainability Grants program.
Shell Canada has partnered with Habitat Canada in a three-year commitment. Funding is directed to their Sustainability Grants program which supports local Habitats as they continue to innovate and implement sustainable building upgrades.
About the Sustainability Grants program
The Sustainability Grants program is a key part of Habitat Canada's strategy for affordable housing, designed to help offset the increased construction costs associated with integrating more energy-efficient features. Shell Canada's contribution will help cover these additional costs, ensuring that Habitat homes are not only affordable to purchase but also economical to maintain in the long-term.
For families to thrive, they need an affordable place to call home,” says Susannah Pierce, Canada Country Chair. “As part of our journey to a lower carbon future, we aim to support others in their journey. We’re proud to support Habitat Canada on programming to offer families more affordable and more energy-efficient homes for years to come.”
Across the country, Habitat Canada is seeing the need for even higher sustainability in new developments. Energy-efficient homes pass savings onto homeowners, reducing utilities costs up to 90%.
The Sustainability Grants program is a key part of Habitat Canada's strategy for affordable housing, designed to help offset the increased construction costs associated with integrating more energy-efficient features.
This includes close to 400 homes built since 2019 through a partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that offer more energy efficient features.
But enhancing the energy efficiency of a home can add 10-15% to building costs. Funding support helps offset these costs and ensures that Habitat homes are more energy efficient and sustainable in the long-term.
“Shell Canada's support means we can do even more to ensure the homes we build are affordable, efficient and sustainable,” said Pedro Barata, Habitat for Humanity Canada President and CEO. “These enhancements — such as solar panels and net-zero-ready technologies — benefit the families moving in today and contribute to the future resilience of our communities.”
Habitat Canada’s Impact
Habitat homeownership provides families with more than just equity – it provides hope and opportunity. The impact is immediate and the effects are lasting.
- 737 people from 192 families benefited from homeownership by partnering with Habitat in 2023
- 73% of Habitat homeowners came from market rental housing
Read the 2023 Year in Review Report for more impact stories and information.