Building Decarbonization Grant Program

The Building Decarbonization Grant Program is administered by the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) as part of the city’s broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which currently account for approximately 40 percent of local emissions. This program is closely aligned with Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS), a regulatory framework requiring emissions reductions from large existing buildings over time, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by the 2040s. The grant program is designed to help building owners prepare for and comply with these requirements by supporting early-stage planning and implementation of decarbonization measures. The primary purpose of the program is to fund engineering design and capital retrofit projects that reduce reliance on fossil fuel systems in buildings larger than 20,000 square feet. Eligible projects include developing retrofit-ready engineering designs, conducting infrastructure assessments, and implementing upgrades such as replacing gas or oil heating systems with electric alternatives. The program explicitly prioritizes projects that will result in measurable emissions reductions and that align with BEPS compliance timelines. While solar panels, battery storage, and general weatherization efforts may contribute to sustainability goals, they are excluded from this program because they fall outside the specific focus on fossil fuel system replacement. Funding for the program totals up to 4 million dollars for the 2026 cycle, with an anticipated 8 to 12 awards. The eligible project period spans from December 2026 through December 2030, allowing for multi-year planning and implementation. Although all buildings that meet BEPS criteria are eligible, priority is given to multifamily housing, nonprofit-owned or occupied buildings, and those located in or serving frontline communities, including populations disproportionately affected by environmental and economic inequities. Only one application per building is allowed, though owners with multiple properties may submit separate applications. The application process requires submission through an online platform by the stated deadline. Applicants are encouraged to use a pre-application worksheet and review detailed program guidelines, scoring criteria, and supporting materials before submission. While free technical assistance is available to help applicants refine project ideas and understand eligibility, this assistance does not include writing application responses. OSE also offers informational webinars and drop-in office hours to support applicants throughout the process. Applications are evaluated through a combination of quantitative scoring and qualitative assessment. Key evaluation criteria include the type and use of the building, the applicant’s readiness and capacity, alignment with racial and social equity priorities, the extent of emissions reduction needed, and the feasibility and quality of the proposed project. Additional consideration is given to projects that support community resilience and serve frontline populations. Final funding decisions are approved by the Mayor’s Office, and selected applicants must complete a contracting process before receiving funds. The timeline for the 2026 funding cycle includes an application opening in May, a submission deadline of August 10 at 8 PM, and notification of funding decisions during the week of September 21. Contracting occurs between October and December, with project work beginning after agreements are signed in December. Awardees are required to participate in multiple reporting checkpoints, including kickoff, midpoint, and final meetings, and must maintain documentation of all expenditures for audit purposes. OSE provides contact support through its grants consultant and technical assistance providers, with additional resources available through partner organizations for eligible nonprofit applicants. The program is expected to recur as part of Seattle’s long-term decarbonization strategy, with additional tools and funding opportunities likely to be introduced as BEPS compliance deadlines approach.

Align proposal with evaluation criteria; demonstrate project readiness and feasibility; prioritize emissions reductions; engage technical assistance early for project development