Along with lowering monthly utility bills, green home features can also cut costs for homeowners by reducing their mortgage insurance premium.

Depending on the home's degree of energy efficiency, up to a quarter of a borrower's premium can be covered by a rebate through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) Green Home program.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is changing its underwriting policies for insured mortgages.

Starting July 1, new applicants for CMHC's mortgage default insurance will have to meet the following criteria: