The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced $25 million is now available for clean, high performance building projects as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative. The funding offered through the State’s Building Cleaner Communities Competition prioritizes cost-effective, regionally significant commercial building projects that will help demonstrate replicable pathways to modernize buildings and eliminate reliance on fossil fuels across the state.
The competitive Building Cleaner Communities Competition (BCCC), administered by NYSERDA in partnership with Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, provides funding for design and construction projects to support regional economic development goals and advance clean energy and resiliency strategies. The program is open to new construction and existing buildings while prioritizing incentives for mixed-use facilities that are regionally significant and projects located within low- to moderate-income communities or disadvantaged communities (DAC) as identified by New York’s Climate Justice Working Group, to reduce emissions and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Applicants may apply for incentives toward new construction or existing building renovation projects that are designed to achieve carbon neutral or net zero energy performance and demonstrate how the approach is replicable and cost effective. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate resiliency strategies that minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term performance, such as creating areas of refuge within the building for emergencies, connecting to thermal energy networks to ensure diversity of energy resources, and incorporating backup power. A special focus will be given to project proposals that adopt solutions to reduce energy usage during peak times, increase the resiliency of the building and lower the use of refrigerants.
The deadline for applications is August 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Join this webinar to learn more about applying!
Speaker:
Mary Guider-Shaw, Marketing Engagement Manager, NYSERDA
About NYSERDA
Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York’s energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov.
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