Low Carbon Communities
Low Carbon Communities (LCC) is a provincial grant program delivered through the Nova Scotia Department of Energy. LCC provides funding for community projects in Nova Scotia that support cost-effective clean energy and low carbon solutions in the buildings, electricity, and transportation sectors.
Funded projects have multiple benefits and can involve testing new ideas, applying best practices, increasing knowledge, and enhancing equity and accessibility.
Clean energy and low carbon projects strengthen Nova Scotia's economy, support local green jobs, and help communities save money and become more resilient.
LCC aims to:
- Help communities complete the preparatory work required to develop their projects (an essential step to access implementation funding opportunities)
- Advance community-led, innovative solutions for clean energy
- Support learning by doing and information sharing
- Contribute to social and equitable investments in Nova Scotian communities
- Support projects that have multiple benefits including economic, jobs, health, resilience and cost savings
Funding categories
Projects should support cost-effective clean energy and low-carbon solutions in one of the following categories:
- Clean Buildings
- Clean Electricity
- Clean Transportation
- Clean Energy Education
Funding amount
The Low Carbon Communities Program provides up to 75% of total eligible project costs. Projects can only receive up to the maximum funding amount for their project funding category.
| Category | Maximum funding |
|---|---|
| Clean Buildings | $75,000 |
| Clean Electricity | $75,000 |
| Clean Transportation | $75,000 |
| Clean Energy Education | $50,000 |
Accessing the funding
The Low Carbon Communities Program provides 90% of the funding at the start of the project. Recipients receive the remaining funding when they complete the project and submit final reports.
Information session
Sign up for a webinar to learn more about the Low Carbon Communities Program.
Date |
Webinar |
Registration |
Wednesday, 16 April 2025 |
General Information Webinar |
Who can apply
The program is open to Nova Scotian: municipalities, First Nations Bands and organizations, registered non-profits, post-secondary institutions, and businesses which have projects that benefit Nova Scotian communities.
Important dates
- April 25, 2025 by 11:59 PM ADT – Deadline to submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- May 20, 2025 by 11:59 PM ADT – Deadline to submit application package
- Project activities should have a start date no earlier than August 2025
- August 28, 2026 by 11:59 PM ADT – Deadline to complete project and submit final report
How to apply
- Read the Program Guidelines (PDF) to determine if your project is eligible (contact the Low Carbon Communities Program if you have questions, need support or want to discuss your project).
- Submit an expression of interest (click "Start Now" below).
- Department of Energy reviews your expression of interest and sends you an application form if you're eligible.
- Submit a completed online application form and all supplementary documentation.