$25 Million Is Now Available For Clean, High-Performance Building Projects

Building Cleaner Communities Competition Demonstrates Replicable Pathways to Modernize Buildings and Incorporate Energy Efficient Strategies

June 4, 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today 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.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Through the Building Cleaner Communities Competition, New York is continuing to demonstrate that investing in modern, energy efficient buildings is also an investment in our economic future. These projects will help create healthier, more resilient communities while attracting new businesses, supporting local jobs and ensuring all New Yorkers benefit from the clean energy transition."

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 (DACs) , 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. Interested proposers can find more information or apply to this program here .

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, the Regional Council initiative engages local stakeholders who know their communities to develop strategic plans for economic growth. Our innovative strategy leverages local assets and resources against funding programs administered by our state agency partners to generate new investments that support sustainable development."

New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, "The Department of State is committed to helping communities become more sustainable, resilient and economically vibrant through our various programs. In partnership with our DRI program, the Building Cleaner Communities Competition is supporting innovative projects that advance local revitalization goals and improve energy performance, all in a concerted effort to create stronger communities for residents and visitors alike."

Passive House Accelerator Founder Michael Ingui said, "The Building Cleaner Communities Competition is exactly the kind of initiative New York needs. It recognizes that healthier, more resilient, zero-emissions buildings are not just good for the environment, but that they also create stronger communities and better long-term outcomes. Every project becomes an opportunity to demonstrate what's possible, share lessons learned, and inspire broader adoption of high-performance, low-carbon building practices. That's how meaningful market transformation happens."

New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) Executive Director Barbara Van Epps said, "New York's cities and villages continue to prioritize the renovation and improvement of existing infrastructure that promotes sustainability. This Building Cleaner Communities funding will benefit selected projects, helping to advance energy efficiency and achieve carbon reduction goals. We appreciate NYSERDA's continued support of this program."

Buildings are one of the most significant sources of carbon emissions in New York State. Implementing energy efficiency and decarbonization measures into new and existing buildings will help modernize buildings to improve the health and resiliency of communities. Since its launch in 2018, NYSERDA has awarded 83 projects and more than $100 million in incentives through BCCC. Additionally, over half of the awards through the program since 2021 have supported projects in DACs to ensure an equitable and just transition to a clean energy economy.

This competition is part of the State's Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), enabling businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits, and the public to apply for assistance through a single application from dozens of state programs for job-creation and community development projects here .

Funding for this program is through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 40 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors. The State is also working to disburse the historic $2 billion Sustainable Future Program, which will deliver targeted funding to lower emissions, reduce household energy costs, and spur green job growth.

About the Consolidated Funding Application

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here .

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov .

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 .