Commercial, Demand Management, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  October 25, 2018

NYSERDA offers $1 million for net zero building design

Large real estate portfolio owners in the state of New York have $1 million available for support with developing energy performance standards and institutional mechanisms to enable the design, construction and operation of net-zero buildings through the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority.

The Authority announced on Oct. 24 the Net Zero pilot program as part of their strategy to support the movement toward net zero energy and net zero construction, renovation and operations within the design and construction industry. The program acts in support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state by 40% by 2030.

"As we move toward achieving Governor Cuomo’s energy goals, encouraging large private, public and non-profit entities to pursue net-zero energy performance early in the design process is critically important to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our building stock," Alicia Barton, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said in a statement. "Lowering harmful emissions through net-zero energy performance buildings results in cleaner communities and helps protect the environment – a win-win for all."

The program is geared toward developers such as real estate developers, colleges and universities, retailers, public sector agencies and other private, public or non-profit entities. It is meant to support advanced high-performance building development methods and technologies to construct more efficient structures.

NYSERDA will be providing approved applicants, on a first-come-first-served basis, with a maximum amount of $250,00 toward technical guidance from a consultant experienced with net-zero building design and construction. The Authority hopes the award funding will also help demonstrate to other developers the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of net zero buildings.

Funding for the program is provided by New York's 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund.