$15 Million Now Available for Clean, Resilient Economic Development Projects

Building Cleaner Communities Competition Supports Carbon Reduction Strategies for Regionally Significant Commercial Projects Across the State

May 20, 2025

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced $15 million is now available for clean, resilient economic development projects as part of Round XV of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative . The funding will help make it more affordable to adopt carbon reduction strategies in regionally significant commercial projects across the state.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Investing in carbon-neutral design and construction not only creates healthier communities but also brings jobs to New York State. With the expansion of the Building Cleaner Communities Competition to now include funding for community and campus-scale projects, I look forward to building new partnerships that can drive innovative building solutions and help lead the way toward a sustainable, resilient future.”

The Building Cleaner Communities Competition (BCCC), administered in partnership with Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, provides funding for carbon neutral design and construction projects in new construction and existing buildings to support regional economic development goals. The program is open to all projects while prioritizing incentives for projects located within low- to moderate-income communities or disadvantaged communities (DACs), as defined by New York’s Climate Justice Working Group, to reduce emissions and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Interested proposers can find more information or apply to this program here .

This round of the Competition reintroduces funding for community and campus-scale projects in addition to commercial, industrial, institutional, municipal, and mixed-use building projects across New York State. 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, 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 and lowers the use of global warming potential refrigerants.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York's regional economic development and downtown revitalization initiatives have transformed the state's economy by leveraging our the productive partnerships within communities to power local projects that have the greatest positive long-term impact. As sustainability and the effects of climate change increasingly become a local issue, regions need strong, innovative solutions such as NYSERDA's Building Cleaner Communities Competition. By investing in clean, resilient development that includes community input, we’re building a healthier, more inclusive and equitable future for all New Yorkers."

Passive House Accelerator Founder Michael Ingui said, "The Building Cleaner Communities competition is another example of a highly successful NYSERDA program that empowers people to build greener, low carbon, passive house buildings – while also enabling them to share their methods so others can follow. This initiative has already accelerated the development of better buildings and positively influenced the entire industry in New York and beyond."

Buildings are one of the most significant sources of carbon emissions in New York State. Integrating energy efficiency and electrification measures into existing buildings will help modernize and achieve healthier buildings that meet the energy demands of New Yorkers. Since its launch in 2018, NYSERDA has awarded 70 projects and nearly $85 million in incentives through BCCC. Additionally, over half of the projects awarded through the program since 2021 have supported developments in DACs and have received more than $38 million, of the more than $60 million awarded, 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 State's 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund and 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 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

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 for the past 50 years 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 or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.

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 .

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 .