TUCC’s Sustainable Energy Loan Fund supports communities of faith across Southern Ontario in making environmentally responsible upgrades to their church buildings. From replacing windows and improving insulation to installing solar panels and undertaking full decarbonization efforts, this fund empowers congregations to reduce their environmental footprint while strengthening their capacity for ministry. In many cases, energy savings from these upgrades can significantly offset the cost of repaying the loan, helping congregations steward both financial and environmental resources.
We are grateful for the support of the Shining Waters Regional Council and East Central Ontario Regional Council, who have both made support of this fund a part of their asset distribution policy following property sales.
The Fund offers loans specifically for projects that advance environmental sustainability. Eligible projects include a wide range of retrofits and energy-saving upgrades, such as:
- Replacement of appliances with Energy Star certified models
- Building envelope upgrades: insulation, windows, and air sealing
- Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system improvements
- Fuel substitution retrofits (e.g., converting from fossil fuels to electric heat)
- Installation of building automation and energy control systems
- Lighting upgrades, both interior and exterior
- Solar hot water heating systems
- Installation of alternative energy systems, including solar PV, geothermal, and wind power
St. John’s United Church in Creemore initiated a project they called Greening the Church to improve the building’s energy efficiency. A $10,000 SELF loan allowed for the installation of subfloor and blown in ceiling insulation in the Sanctuary as well as shifting that space from electric baseboard heating to forced air natural gas using a high efficiency condensing furnace. The congregation noticed a dramatic reduction in their energy footprint and saw their annual heating bill drop by $1,088. A subsequent SELF loan enabled them to invest in installing a photovoltaic solar panel system on the roof the sanctuary.
Typical Loan Terms:
- Loans are capped at $300,000 and typical loans are around $50,000.
- Loans under $50,000 are secured by a promissory note; larger loans require a first mortgage registered on the property title.
- Loans are offered on a five-year term, at 0% interest for the first five years, and 1% interest thereafter. For borrowers comfortable with a five-year amortization, this means 100% financing for the project. Like all TUCC loans, they are open, with no penalty for early repayment.
- Applicants will be asked to demonstrate that their project directly contributes to sustainability and may be required to complete an energy audit as part of the application process.
All applications are subject to review by TUCC’s Committee of Finance and Property, and successful applicants must also seek approval from their Regional Council.
Prospective applicants are also encouraged to learn more about the United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints program.
For full program details, please review our Loan Policy or SELF Program Brochure, or contact Daniel Reed for more information. Please feel free to begin your application below: