Canada surpasses 100 IREE-certified projects
Over 100 Canadian projects achieve Investor Ready Energy Efficiency certification, strengthening investor confidence in retrofit initiatives
Green Building Team on October 30, 2025
- Rating System/Standard
- IREE (ICP)
- Theme
- Certification updates
- Retrofits
The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) is proud to announce that more than 100 retrofit projects across the country have achieved Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification.
From multi-unit residential buildings to commercial assets, IREE certification helps owners attract financing, reduce risk, and deliver deep energy and carbon reductions for their projects. To earn certification, project teams follow the Investor Confidence Project Protocols (ICP), an assurance process that requires they document baseline energy use, model expected savings, establish plans for commissioning as well as measurement and verification during operations.
IREE growth in the last five years
Based on the international Investor Confidence Project and introduced to Canada by CAGBC in 2020, IREE has provided a consistent and trusted framework for developing and assessing commercial and institutional energy efficiency projects. By standardizing project data, streamlining evaluations, and providing independent third-party verification, IREE increases investor confidence in potential returns by demonstrating the credibility of each project’s performance.
Since its introduction, IREE has grown from pilot projects to a nationally recognized standard for quality and performance. In 2023, adoption accelerated with the launch of the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) Commercial Building Retrofits Initiative, which links certification to low-cost, long-term financing. The program has been driving tangible market transformation, having already financed projects to the tune of 1.2B to building retrofits since it was initiated. A key supporter in this growth has been the development of a strong network of firms serving as ICP Quality Assurance Assessors, providing the independent verification required for certification and ensuring retrofits are objectively reviewed.
The first 100 IREE-certified projects saw an average of 49% reduction in GHG emissions and 37% in energy savings.
*Average anticipated reduction relative to historical performance.
Breakdown of first 100 IREE certifications across the country
The 100 IREE-certified projects span both residential and commercial sectors, are in nearly every province and are led by a diverse range of owners and developers, from major national corporations and institutional investors to community developers.
By province
IREE projects are present in almost every province, with the highest concentrations in Ontario, followed by Alberta and the Atlantic provinces.
| Province | IREE-certified projects |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | 3 |
| Alberta | 19 |
| Saskatchewan | 3 |
| Manitoba | 0 |
| Ontario | 47 |
| Quebec | 12 |
| Atlantic | 16 |
| Territories | 0 |
By building type
IREE certification has had a strong focus on residential energy efficiency projects, while also supporting a growing number of commercial retrofits. Among the first 100 projects certified, more than 72% are multifamily retrofits, with the remaining 28% representing commercial projects.
By certification category
The IREE certification program categorizes projects based on their size, complexity, and scope. Of the 100 IREE-certified projects across Canada, 17% are Targeted small-scale upgrades, 3% are Standard Commercial projects, 25% fall under Large Commercial certifications, while 55% represent Standard and Large-scale retrofits to multifamily housing.
Explore IREE certified projects
Build trust, reduce risk, and secure funding for your retrofit