WHAT IS THE EVALUATION PROCESS?
Qualifying criteria for projects under consideration for funding through the ETP include:
- Technology promoted by an organization, institution or business registered and with operations based in Nova Scotia.
- Evidence of significant and/or unique technological innovation.
- Greenhouse gas and air pollutant emission reductions or potential for reductions, with benefit to Nova Scotia.
- A minimum cash contribution of 20% of project costs from proponent and/or partnering organizations.
- Comprehensive and coherent timelines for research, development and/or commercialization.
- Academic institutions are required to have a private sector partner for the project.
- Any projects proposing to construct new buildings, additions or significant renovations must commit to design and build to minimum standards for energy (35% improvement over the Model National Energy Code) and water (20% over the Baseline Water Fixture Requirements) consumption. Projects that aim to build to a higher standard (LEED Certification, for example) will be more favourably reviewed.
Priority will be given to those projects that can demonstrate:
- Linkages to the Nova Scotia Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act.
- An established management and financing structure, including maximum leveraging of funds from multiple sources.
- A connection to Nova Scotia research and development facilities, where applicable.
- Utilization of Nova Scotian content.
- A strong capacity to commercialize either through the proponent or project partners.
- The adoption and deployment of existing underutilized technologies.
- Evidence of high greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions reduction per dollar of funding.
- Evidence of possible replication of the project Nova Scotia.
The ETP will fund to a maximum of 50% of project costs (stackable with other public funds to 80%). Other funding may come from private industry, academia and other public sector organizations.
Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships and obtain cash contributions and/or in-kind support from other sources. In-kind support includes the contribution of equipment, materials, office space, time, professional services, etc.
Upon receipt, applications will be screened to ensure they meet the mandatory criteria for eligibility and are complete. The ecoNova Scotia Fund Coordinator reserves the right to contact applicants for clarifications or to address errors or omissions at any time. Applications will be reviewed for approval by a Steering Committee made up experts from relevant government departments and agencies (including, but not limited to: Environment, Energy, Conserve Nova Scotia, and Economic Development). The Steering Committee may choose to have any proposal independently reviewed.
If you are successful:
All applicants will be notified of decisions in writing. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Contribution Agreement with Nova Scotia Environment before any funds are distributed. The Contribution Agreement will detail the terms of the contribution, including payment schedules, deliverables, and definitions of the relationship between the successful applicant and the Province.
Successful applicants will be required to provide regular updates to the ecoNova Scotia Fund Coordinator. Details of this requirement will be outlined in the Contribution Agreement which will have been reviewed and approved by all parties involved.
Efforts will be made to provide funding to as many projects as possible across Nova Scotia.
All results from the project will be made public in a report.