Report Title

This NYSERDA report template is designed to produce consistent-looking reports based on NYSERDA report formatting guidelines. Instructional comments are included on each page of this template. On the MS Word Ribbon, select Review > Show Comments to view instructions. For additional guidance, see “Working with NYSERDA Report Templates.” Report Title

Final Report

Prepared for:

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

Albany, NY

Prepared by:

Company Name

Additional Contributors:

NYSERDA Contract Number:	Date Submitted:

Notice

Option 1—When NYSERDA is the project’s sole sponsor or NYSERDA is a co-sponsor with other agencies or entities, and a contractor prepares the report, this notice must be used:

This report was prepared by in the course of performing work contracted for and sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) [and ]. The opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect those of NYSERDA [, ,] or the State of New York, and reference to any specific product, service, process, or method does not constitute an implied or expressed recommendation or endorsement of it. Further, NYSERDA, [,] the State of New York, and the contractor make no warranties or representations, expressed or implied, as to the fitness for particular purpose or merchantability of any product, apparatus, or service, or the usefulness, completeness, or accuracy of any processes, methods, or other information contained, described, disclosed, or referred to in this report. NYSERDA, [,] the State of New York, and the contractor make no representation that the use of any product, apparatus, process, method, or other information will not infringe privately owned rights and will assume no liability for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from, or occurring in connection with, the use of information contained, described, disclosed, or referred to in this report.

NYSERDA [and ] makes every effort to provide accurate information about copyright owners and related matters in the reports we publish. Contractors are responsible for determining and satisfying copyright or other use restrictions regarding the content of reports that they write, in compliance with NYSERDA’s policies and federal law. If you are the copyright owner and believe a NYSERDA report has not properly attributed your work to you or has used it without permission, please email print@nyserda.ny.gov

Information contained in this document, such as web page addresses, are current at the time of publication.

Short Notice Language for Option 1—For use in stand-alone Executive Summaries or Summaries when space is limited:

This report was prepared by for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) [and ]. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of NYSERDA [,] or the State of New York, and references do not constitute an implied or expressed recommendation or endorsement. If you are the copyright owner and believe a NYSERDA report has not properly attributed your work to you or has used it without permission, please email print@nyserda.ny.gov

Information contained in this document, such as web page addresses, are current at the time of publication.

Option 2 —When NYSERDA is or NYSERDA and other agencies or entities are the project’s author(s), even if a contractor assisted in its completion, and NYSERDA and/or the state agencies will be issuing or publicizing the report, this notice must be used (for example, roadmaps, blueprints, master plans):

This report was prepared by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) [(with) (with assistance from)] . Reference to any specific product, service, process, or method does not constitute an implied or expressed recommendation or endorsement of it. Further, NYSERDA [, ,] and the State of New York make no warranties or representations, expressed or implied, as to the fitness for particular purpose or merchantability of any product, apparatus, or service, or the usefulness, completeness, or accuracy of any processes, methods, or other information contained, described, disclosed, or referred to in this report. NYSERDA [, ,] and the State of New York make no representation that the use of any product, apparatus, process, method, or other information will not infringe privately owned rights and will assume no liability for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from, or occurring in connection with, the use of information contained, described, disclosed, or referred to in this report.

NYSERDA [and ] makes every effort to provide accurate information about copyright owners and related matters in the reports we publish. If you are the copyright owner and believe a NYSERDA report has not properly attributed your work to you or has used it without permission, please email: print@nyserda.ny.gov

Information contained in this document, such as web page addresses, are current at the time of publication.

Short Notice Language for Option 2—For use in stand-alone Executive Summaries or Summaries when space is limited:

This report was prepared by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) [and ]. References in the report do not constitute an implied or expressed recommendation or endorsement. If you are the copyright owner and believe a NYSERDA report has not properly attributed your work to you or has used it without permission, please email: print@nyserda.ny.gov

Information contained in this document, such as web page addresses, are current at the time of publication.

Preferred Citation

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Year of publication. “Title of Report,”. Prepared by organization, company or individual names and city/state location (optional). nyserda.ny.gov/publications

Abstract

Keywords

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents

Notice	i

Preferred Citation	iv

Abstract	v

Keywords	vi

Acknowledgments	vii

Acronyms and Abbreviations	ix

Definitions	x

Executive Summary (Heading 1 No Number)	ES-1

1.	Main Topic (Heading 1 Style)	1

1.1	Subtopic (Heading 2 Style)	1

1.2	Subtopic (Heading 2 Style)	1

1.2.1	Sub-Subtopic (Heading 3 Style)	1

1.2.1.1	Heading 4 Style	1

2.	Main Topic	2

2.1	Subtopic	2

2.1.1	Sub-Subtopic	2

2.1.1.1	Sub-Subtopic	2

3.	Commonly Used Report Template Features	3

3.1	Example List Styles	3

3.2	Example Figure-Related Styles	4

3.3	Example Equation-Related Styles	6

3.4	Example Table-Related Styles	6

3.4.1	Tables Spanning Multiple Pages	7

3.4.2	Table Notes	8

3.5	Example Sidebars for Focused Content	8

3.6	Cross-References	9

3.7	Color Usage in Figures and Tables	10

3.8	Inline Citations and Footnotes	10

3.9	References	10

Appendix A.	Title of Appendix	A-1

Appendix B.	Title of Appendix	B-1

Appendix C.	Title of Appendix	C-1

Endnotes	EN-1

List of Figures

Figure 1. Sample Photo Figure	5

Figure 2. Sample Chart Figure	5

Figure A-1. Another Sample Figure Title	A-1

List of Tables

Table 1. Sample Table Showing Table-Related Styles	7

Table 2. Sample Table with Table Notes	8

Table A-1. Sample Table in Appendix	A-1

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ft	feet

kWh	kilowatt hours

m/s	meters per second

MW	megawatts

NYS	New York State

NYSERDA	New York State Energy Research and Development Authority New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

W	watts

Definitions

Decarbonization	Reduction or elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from building operations by transitioning to electric systems powered by clean energy and improving overall energy efficiency.

Heating season (NYC)	The period from October 1 through May 31 during which building owners are legally required to provide heat when outdoor temperatures fall below specified thresholds, as defined by New York City Housing Maintenance Code.

Executive Summary (Heading 1 No Number)

(

Summary Subtopic (Heading 2 No Number)

Summary Subtopic (Heading 2 No Number)

Main Topic (Heading 1 Style)

Subtopic (Heading 2 Style)

Subtopic (Heading 2 Style)

Sub-Subtopic (Heading 3 Style)

Heading 4 Style

Main Topic

Subtopic

Sub-Subtopic

Sub-Subtopic

Commonly Used Report Template Features

This section provides examples of the most used elements of a technical report. Different types of content are presented, showing the styles applied to the content and how it looks in the document. This can be helpful when you are not sure what style to apply to text to achieve certain formats, including bulleted lists, numbered lists, quotes, crossreferences, and more.

This section also contains example document elements such as figures, tables, and equations as well as figure/equation/table titles that are already configured with the proper auto-numbered fields. To keep the format of the document consistent, you should copy an example element set from this section and paste it where you want it in the document. Then, make any necessary changes to the content.

For example, in Figure 1, copy the example figure title, figure caption description, figure source, and the figure itself, then paste in the desired insertion point in the document and change the text and figure accordingly. Be sure to paste as “Keep Source Formatting” as shown below:

Note: To update the numbering of all auto-numbered fields in a report document, press Ctrl + A to select entire document, then press F9 to update all sequential field entries (i.e., figure, table, and equation titles, TOC, LOF, LOT, cross-references, etc.). The auto-numbered fields will update to the correct sequential number.

Example List Styles

The following styles are used to format text as bulleted or numbered lists.

This is List Bullet style. This section also contains example document elements such as figures, tables, and equations already set up with the proper auto-numbered fields. To maintain document format consistency, we recommend you copy and paste an existing element where you want it to go in the document, then modify the content as needed.

This is List Bullet style.

This is List Number style.

This is List Continue style to use when there is a need for unnumbered text after a list number item.

This is List Number style.

This is List Bullet 2 style.

This is List Continue 2 style to use when there is a need for unbulleted text after a list bullet item.

To restart a numbered list, right-click the numbered list item and select Restart at 1.

This is List Number restarted at 1.

This is List Number style.

Example Figure-Related Styles

Figures with sequential numbering (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.) are preferred. Use in-text cross-references to figures using only the figure label and number (i.e., Figure 1 shows…). Additionally, provide Alternative Text to comply with ADA Accessibility requirements. Refer to ADA Section 508 Standards for the best way to represent data with reference to colors.

Copy and paste the below figure set where needed in the report and then modify the figure caption title, figure caption description, source, and the figure itself as needed. This helps ensure the correct styles are used for all figure elements.

Figures should not have borders unless the figure is not easily distinguishable from the surrounding text. If a border is used, apply the following settings:

Picture Border Color: White Background 1, Darker 15%

Picture Border Line Weight: 3/4 pt

Note: Figure caption descriptions and are preferred but not mandatory for each figure. Figure source information is required any time the figure was created for a different document and reproduced in the current document.

Figure 1. Sample Photo Figure

This is the figure caption description used to provide additional context for a figure. The figure example below has the Figure Anchor style applied, which provides more above and below space and left-aligns the figure. Apply the Figure Anchor style to any figures added to the report, including photos, charts, illustrations, etc.

Source: State University (2024)

Figure 2. Sample Chart Figure

This is the figure caption description used to provide additional context for a figure. Before publishing, ensure chartlike figures are added to the report as flattened images all layers and sub-components combined into a single ‘flat” image). Figures need to be legible and include legends within the figure as necessary.

Source: Name (Date)

Example Equation-Related Styles

In this template, equations and formulas are centered on the page, with the equation sequence number included as an equation title on the same line and left aligned. New equations can be created by copying and pasting the below example Equation 1, then and customizing it in the new location.

Note: Ensure that the equation is not bold. Screen readers will read the bold, which can interfere with the equation flow.

Equation 1.

If an equation or formula requires elements be defined, show the information in the following manner:

Equation 2.

where:

A = the area of the circle

π (pi) = is a mathematical constant, approximately equal to 3.14159.

R = the radius of the circle

Example Table-Related Styles

The tables used in NYSERDA reports are created with MS Word’s built-in Table Grid style. Furthermore, the table header row is shaded a light blue color (RGB: 239, 246, 351 or
Hex: #EFF6FB). The content in the tables have styles applied related to table text.

The example tables in the template and this document are simple and designed with ADA Section 508 Accessibility requirements in mind. The tables have only one table header row and no merged cells. Additionally, the table properties for each table are already set to “Repeat Header Row” and “Do not allow rows to break across pages.”

See also: Section 508 Accessibility Standards.

Copy and paste one of the sample table sets, then modify the table caption title, table caption description, table source, and the table itself, as needed. Each table requires its own table title, and uses automated, sequential table number fields (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, etc.).

Note: Table caption descriptions and are preferred but not mandatory for each figure. Table source information is required any time the figure was created for a different document and reproduced in the current document.

Table 1. Sample Table Showing Table-Related Styles

This is the optional table caption description used to provide additional context for a table. This is the optional table caption description used to provide additional context for a table.

Source: Name (Date)

Table Heading Center	Table Heading Center	Table Heading Center	Table Heading Center
Table Text Left Table Bullet Table Bullet	Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Right
Table Text Left	Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Right
Table List Number Table List Number Table List Number	Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Right
Table Text Left	Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Right

Tables Spanning Multiple Pages

If a table spans across multiple pages, it is important for each page to show the table number so that the reader knows exactly which table they are viewing. To display the table number at the top of each continued page, separate the table into two or more tables as needed.

For each continued table, add a table header row and then copy and paste the following sample “table continued” title, which is set up to duplicate the table number from the previous page.

Note: When a table needs to be continued on a new page, manually type the same table title number from the previous page (as shown in the below example). This way, the number shown in the “Table # (continued)” title matches the previous table.

Table 1. (continued)

Table Heading Center	Table Heading Center	Table Heading Center	Table Heading Center
Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Center
Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Center	—
Table Text Center	Table Text Center	Table Text Center	—

Table Notes

When table data requires additional explanatory information in the form of table notes, add a superscript letter at the end of the data. Under the table, apply the “Table Note” style to each note added. The Table Notes style is designed to change the appearance of table note text and applies alphabetic auto-numbering to each note (as shown in the example Table 2).

Table 2. Sample Table with Table Notes

This is an optional table caption description used to provide additional context for a table. The table caption description can also be used to add a general note that applies to the entire table. This is in contrast to using a superscript letter in combination with a Table Note (below) when a note applies only to specific content within a table.

Source: Name (Date)

Year	Weather Event	Population Affected
1950	Rain	35,000
1980	Hurricane	83,000
2010	Derecho	116,000
2030a	Tornado	See noteb.

This is an optional Table Note style used to provide additional context for superscripted “a” in the table content.
This is the Table Note style used to provide additional context for specific table content.

This is an optional Table Note style used to provide additional context for superscripted “b” in the table content.

Example Sidebars for Focused Content

Use the following sidebar tables to call out supplemental or focused content within a document. Copy the full-page or half-page callout and then paste where it’s needed in the report. Change the heading and text accordingly.

Sidebar Topic Heading A sidebar is a short topic description that is relevant to the main text but not part of the immediate content flow. Copy and paste this example sidebar where you want to use it in the document and then modify the heading and text.

Sidebar Topic Heading A sidebar is a short topic description that is relevant to the main text but not part of the immediate content flow. Copy and paste this example sidebar where you want to use it in the document and then modify the heading and text.

Cross-References

In-text cross-references to figures and tables need to show only the label and number (e.g., Figure 2, Table 1).

To insert a cross-reference for a figure, equation, or table:

Click Insert > Reference > Cross-Reference.

Do one of the following:

For a figure cross reference, select Figure as the reference type and insert reference as Only label and number.

For a table cross reference, select Table as the reference type and insert reference as Only label and number.

For an equation cross reference, select Equation as the reference type and insert reference as Only label and number.

Select the corresponding figure, table, or equation you want to cross-reference from the list.

The resulting cross-reference shows in the document like the following examples:

As shown in Figure 2

Table A-1 contains a list of styles

The calculation in Equation 1 is used to determine

Note: Remember to remove the sample cross-references, as well as the sample figures, equations, and tables from your report before publishing so that the report’s autonumbered fields, List of Figures, and List of Tables are not affected.

Color Usage in Figures and Tables

NYSERDA follows New York State Brand Guidelines, which creates consistencies across all State agencies and authorities. See the “Resource Guide: How to use NYSERDA’s Technical Report Template” for more information about color usage when creating figures and tables.

Inline Citations and Footnotes

A References section is provided in this report template to add complete citations of cited works (See Section 3.9, References). NYSERDA’s citation style is based on the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition) and its Notes and Bibliography system as well as Marketing preferences. For more information, consult the Chicago Manual Online: Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide under the Notes and Bibliography tab).

Notes and citations are listed as footnotes or endnotes and correspond to a superscripted number in the text. Endnotes are preferred when the footnotes at the bottom of a page extend beyond three or four sentences. This sentence provides an example of an inserted footnote so that the accompanying explanatory footnote text shows at the bottom of the page.

Note: See the example References list below and the example Endnotes list on the last page of the template.

References

Last Name, First Name. YYYY. Title. Source.

Microsoft. “Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities.” (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2025. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/make-your-word-documents-accessible-to-people-with-disabilities-d9bf3683-87ac-47ea-b91a-78dcacb3c66d#bkmk_textspacing_win

New York State Climate Action Council. 2022. New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan. www.climate.ny.gov/ScopingPlan

New York State. 2024. New York State Brand Guide.

Organization Name. YYYY. Publication Title. Source.

Organization. "Website Page Title." Retrieved [Date]. URL.

State University. “All About Tornado Energy at State University.” Retrieved November 12, 2024. https://www.stateuniv.edu/all-about-energy.

This ends the main body of the report.

Next are the Appendices.

There are one or more Appendix sections in this report.

Appendix A begins next.

Title of Appendix

Subtopic

The Appendices use figure and table numbering schemes that are different from the main body of the report. Below are sample figure and table sets to copy and paste where needed in the appendix sections.

Figure A-1. Another Sample Figure Title

This is an optional figure caption description used to provide additional context for a figure.

Source: Name (Date)

Sub Subtopic

Table A-1. Sample Table in Appendix

This is an optional table caption description used to provide additional context for a table.

Source: Name (Date)

Year	Weather Event	Population Affected
2010	Derecho	116,000
2030a	Tornado	See noteb.

Title of Appendix

Subtopic

Sub Subtopic

Title of Appendix

Subtopic

Sub Subtopic

Endnotes

New York State Brand Guide (2024).

This is what the Footnote Text style looks like when a footnote is used in the report. A footnote displays at the end of the page for the applicable footnote citation.

Endnote added based on an endnote reference inserted within the body of the document.

This is another example of an endnote reference added in the body of the document, which displays in the Endnotes section and allows for additional explanatory text.