First Nation Communities

We’re here to support First Nations communities with services that are not just effective but also rooted in respect, culture, and community strength. We strive to incorporate Indigenous-led solutions that honour tradition while creating exciting opportunities for the future. Our approach is all about collaboration, integrity, and keeping things real—because strong communities thrive when culture, innovation, and respect go hand in hand. Let’s work together to build something amazing for the next generations!

 

Our Services

Energuide Home Evaluations

An EnerGuide Home Evaluation is an energy assessment for homes in Canada that helps homeowners understand their energy use and identify ways to improve efficiency and home health. Conducted by a certified energy advisor, the evaluation includes:

• A blower door test to measure air leakage.

• An inspection of insulation, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

• A detailed report with recommendations for upgrades to reduce energy consumption.

• An EnerGuide rating that shows the home’s energy performance compared to similar homes.

This evaluation is often required for funding applications and incentive programs to support energy-efficient renovations.

We Use H2K and Voltasnap for modelling and heat load calculations

Community Building Mentorship

Our Building Systems Mentorship Program helps create healthier, more efficient buildings while protecting your most valuable assets. Many mature buildings (Class B & C) lack systems to track performance, manage upgrades, or retain critical knowledge. This hands-on program empowers building personnel to understand, manage, and maintain energy systems effectively. Together, we design a strategy that aligns with community values, ensuring accountability and long-term success. With ongoing support, we build resourceful staff and a lasting legacy of knowledge. Our holistic approach improves energy performance, thermal comfort, and efficiency—strengthening buildings for generations to come.

Community Building Deep Retrofit Feasibility Studies

Using ASHRAE Standards, we customize your assessment to help achieve your building and community goals.

Services include utility bill trend review, 24-36 months theoretical savings based on best case scenarios, O&M review analysis with more detailed energy calculations and financial analysis of proposed energy efficiency measures, Including GHG emissions.

The financial analysis or ‘Life Cycle Cost Analysis’ provides the facility owner with comprehensive understanding of the financial benefits of implementing specific energy efficiency measures

We use RetScreen software for modelling.

Our History of Collaboration

  • Ahousaht First Nation https://www.ahousaht.ca/
  • Binche Whut’en First Nation https://www.binche.ca/
  • Bonaparte First Nation https://www.bonapartefirstnation.ca/
  • Cowichan Tribes https://www.cowichantribes.com/
  • Daylu Dena Council https://dayludenacouncil.com/
  • Dease River First Nation https://kaskadenacouncil.com/dease-river-first-nation/
  • Ditidaht First Nation https://www.ditidaht.ca/
  • Fort Nelson First Nation https://www.fortnelsonfirstnation.org/
  • Halalt First Nation https://halalt.org/
  • Homalco First Nation https://www.homalco.com/
  • Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation https://www.mmfn.ca/
  • Nazko First Nation https://www.nazkoband.ca/
  • Penelakut Tribe https://www.penelakut.ca/
  • Quatsino First Nation https://quatsinofn.com/
  • Seton Lake First Nation (Shalalth) https://www.setonlakeband.com/
  • Heiltsuk Nation (Bella Bella) https://www.heiltsuknation.ca/
  • Wei Wai Kum First Nation https://weiwaikum.ca/
  • ————
  • Barkley Project Group https://barkley.ca
  • EcoTrust https://ecotrust.ca

References

Homalco First Nation has just completed Phase One of Three of our Energy Efficiency upgrades. It was a pleasure to work with Focus Energy Assessments as they were sensitive to our Nation’s needs, Darrell was known in the community from the pre-upgrade assessments. Homalco was fortunate that Focus Energy Assessments was available to come when we were under a tight schedule to get the assessment done by year end, Darrell was able to accommodate our timeline.

Jessica Cliffe, Housing Manager, Homalco First Nation

Darrell’s is my go-to energy advisor for work in Indigenous communities. I always know his assessments will be high quality and meaningful within the context of on-reserve housing and community buildings. He understands the cultural context and governance structures which helps us move through the process seamlessly. Darrell is very flexible, personable, and takes the time to answer questions and share his knowledge and enthusiasm for energy efficiency and building science.

Mary Vasey, Project Manager, Barkley Project Group