The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has $16 million available to support the design and construction of new energy-efficient housing and to complete similar improvements in existing buildings across New York state.
State officials said homes and buildings that take advantage of this support are projected to see annual energy cost savings of more than $9 million and total lifetime savings of as much as $180 million, as well as improved household comfort and indoor air quality.
“Ensuring New York’s buildings are constructed to the highest standards of energy efficiency is crucial to both our long-term sustainability and prosperity of the state,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “Smart choices about efficiency can simultaneously save money and protect the environment. This investment promotes that principle in order to build healthy communities and save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.”
Approximately $8 million will be offered to housing developers and builders of low-rise housing, including single-family homes and multi-unit buildings generally three stories or less, through NYSERDA’s Low-rise Residential New Construction program. The other $8 million will be offered to housing developers and builders of mid- and high-rise housing, generally multi-unit buildings of four stories or more, through NYSERDA’s Multifamily New Construction program.
Officials said approximately 75 percent of the entire $16 million in funding is designated for housing for low- to moderate-income residents, who are most vulnerable to high energy cost burdens and whose homes are often especially susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather.
Both programs support the incorporation of energy efficiency measures, such as increased insulation and improved air sealing; high-efficiency heating, cooling, and balanced ventilation systems; energy-saving appliances and lighting; high-performance windows and doors; and renewable energy technologies.
The funding is being made available through NYSERDA's Clean Energy Fund, a 10-year, $5.3 billion program to support clean energy market development and innovation.
State Chairman of Energy and Finance Richard Kauffman said, "To meet our energy and climate goals, energy efficiency must scale rapidly. With this investment, New York state is driving progress toward a robust and self-sustaining market for energy efficiency, both in new construction and major renovations of older building stock."
NYSERDA President and CEO John B. Rhodes said building more efficient homes significantly improves consumer choice and energy affordability. "By making these types of investments, New York continues to ensure energy-efficient housing is attainable for all, including low- to moderate-income New Yorkers."
In addition to providing direct funding support, NYSERDA will identify and promote the use of collaborative techniques among housing development, design and construction teams to ensure that cost-effective design and proper construction of efficient homes is replicated throughout the state.
The programs will also work to increase awareness and demand for zero net energy buildings, which are designed to produce as much energy as they use. These activities will support recent state initiatives to spur higher-performing affordable housing construction, for instance through the inclusion of a passive house building track in the state Homes and Community Renewal's unified funding application, officials said.
Energy-efficiency programs are among the most cost-effective means to reduce carbon emissions overall in the energy sector according to a multitude of experts.
Applications to both the Multifamily New Construction program and the Low-rise New Construction program will be accepted for qualified projects through Dec. 29, 2017, or until the funding is exhausted. More information on the programs is available at www.nyserda.ny.gov/newconstruction-Res.