The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced the availability of $10 million for clean energy projects that will reduce carbon emissions at commercial and industrial buildings throughout the state. The initiative supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent. 

The Commercial and Industrial Carbon Challenge is a pilot program to determine whether providing flexible uses of funding for clean energy projects can be more cost effective and increase the amount of carbon emission reductions over traditional state supported programs.

The Carbon Challenge will provide awards ranging from $2 million to $5 million to partially offset development costs of clean energy projects that demonstrate the highest potential for cost-effectively implementing carbon-decreasing clean energy actions in buildings with an aggregate 12-month average demand of 10-megawatts or greater. Projects may be for energy efficiency or distributed energy resources that provide increased flexibility for commercial and industrial customers to achieve carbon reductions. 

Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, "This Carbon Challenge provides greater flexibility in funding to commercial and industrial building owners who want to adopt clean energy actions to drive greater efficiency throughout their buildings and in turn reduce their energy costs.  The State's building stock is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and this Challenge underscores the State's work with these consumers to address climate change and support the Governor's ambitious energy goals."

Commercial and industrial buildings account for 33 percent of the energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. Buildings eligible for this funding include colleges, universities, health care facilities, office buildings and manufacturing plants, among others.

All proposals must include a three-year carbon emissions reduction target and identify the path to achieving the target. Awards will be made to proposals demonstrating the highest potential for cost effectively implementing carbon-reducing clean energy actions, which must be completed by 2021. Proposals must be submitted by July 10, 2018.

Funding is available through the State's 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund.

NYSERDA | www.nyserda.ny.gov