Building Cleaner Communities Competition

The Building Cleaner Communities Competition is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a public benefit corporation established in 1975 to advance energy efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support environmental protection across New York State. The program reflects statewide priorities to modernize infrastructure, improve economic development outcomes, and support climate resilience. It aligns with the goals of the New York State Regional Economic Development Council Strategic Plan and broader clean energy and sustainability initiatives. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support regionally significant commercial building projects that achieve carbon neutral or net zero energy performance. The program focuses on both new construction and substantial upgrades to existing structures, including deep retrofits, adaptive reuse, and gut rehabilitations. Projects are expected to demonstrate replicable strategies that contribute to healthier, safer, and more energy efficient built environments while supporting local economies. Emphasis is placed on integrating innovative technologies and approaches that advance the transition to all electric building systems. Funding supports a range of building specific measures, including energy efficiency improvements, all electric heating and cooling systems, renewable energy integration, energy storage, and grid interconnectivity. Additional incentives are available for projects that incorporate advanced solutions such as Passive House certification, ground source heat pumps, or geothermal networks. The program encourages resilient design strategies, including passive survivability during outages and climate forward construction practices. Funds may be structured as a combination of per square foot incentives and flat incentive amounts tied to specific project features. Eligible applicants include building owners and developers undertaking commercial sector projects within New York State. Eligible project types include light industrial facilities, manufacturing buildings, warehouses, distribution centers, municipal facilities, and office spaces. Projects must meet carbon neutral or net zero energy performance targets and must submit applications prior to the issuance of a building permit. Both single building and multi building developments on the same or adjacent sites are eligible. Applications must be submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application system. The application window opens on June 1, 2026 and closes on August 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. There are no required pre application submissions such as letters of intent. NYSERDA provides additional support through informational webinars and encourages applicants to engage with program materials prior to submission. Applicants may submit questions via the program email inbox. Funding awards are capped based on project scale and applicant type, with limits of up to 1.5 million dollars for single building projects and up to 3 million dollars for multi building projects. Funding is also constrained by percentage caps of total project cost, with higher percentages available for nonprofit and government entities. Projects are evaluated based on their ability to meet energy performance goals, demonstrate innovation, and contribute to resilient and healthy community development. While specific award timelines are not detailed, the program is part of a recurring state funding initiative aligned with annual economic development cycles.

Prioritize carbon neutral design strategies, include innovative technologies, and demonstrate replicable solutions aligned with state economic and climate goals