High Impact Actions
Save energy, cut costs, and earn recognition
NYSERDA developed a list of high-impact actions that local governments can take to save energy, cut costs, and earn designation. You must successfully complete four actions to become a designated Clean Energy Community.
Each high-impact action is worth points that communities collect upon completion of the action. To receive points for completing high-impact actions, you must submit documentation that verifies all requirements have been met. The points you earn count toward unlocking access to point-based grant funding. Certain high-impact energy actions are eligible for additional Action Grants.
Your regional Clean Energy Community Coordinator will review your goals and help you determine which actions are best for your community and how to access grant funding.
High Impact Actions
Earn points toward grant funding and designation
Unified Solar Permit: 200 points
Designed to streamline and expedite the approval process for installing solar in a community, the standardized permit is expected to cut costs as well as save time and resources by decreasing the overall installation time. View Toolkit
Energy Code Enforcement Training: 200 points
The Energy Code—a minimum building standard for energy efficiency—is applicable to new construction and renovation of commercial and residential buildings. Completing the training module gives communities opportunities for significant energy savings through improved energy code compliance. View Toolkit
PACE Financing: Up to 500 points
Municipalities can establish an Open C-PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Financing program that enables eligible commercially owned buildings to secure funds for renewable energy projects and upgrades. This financing structure is available for projects that aim to install permanent improvements. View Toolkit
Clean Energy Upgrades: 500 points
Municipalities are well positioned to save energy and money by replacing outdated equipment with new smart and efficient technology. Municipalities must achieve a 10 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from municipal buildings. View Toolkit
Clean Heating and Cooling Demo: 700 points
Municipal facilities can demonstrate the benefits of transitioning from fossil fuel-based thermal energy to clean heating and cooling technology, such as utility bill savings, increased comfort, and a healthier work environment. Municipalities must convert a municipal facility to all electric with ground- or air-source heat pumps. View Toolkit
100% Renewables for Municipal Operations: 500 points
Communities can highlight their role as a leader in addressing climate change and protecting the environment by making the decision to purchase renewable energy for their municipal electricity needs. View Toolkit
Climate Smart Communities Certification: Up to 800 Points
The certification program provides a framework for local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build community resilience to climate change. View Toolkit
LED Streetlights: Up to 900 points
Communities can reduce their streetlight energy use by as much as 65% by installing energy-efficient LED lighting, generating cost savings and emission reduction. LED streetlights last longer and are easier to maintain. View Toolkit
Clean Fleets: Up to 1,000 points
Local governments throughout the State are investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants. Electric vehicles are more energy efficient and cost significantly less to operate than gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. View Toolkit
Benchmarking: Up to 1,100 points
Local governments can adopt a policy that requires annual reporting of energy used in buildings. Setting up a system for measuring and sharing energy use data helps identify opportunities to cut energy waste and associated costs. View Toolkit
Community Campaigns: Up to 1,100 points
Community Campaigns to promote program opportunities including community solar, clean heating and cooling and energy efficiency, and demand response can provide consumers with increased access to clean energy. Action grants are eligible up to $60K. View Toolkit
County-Hosted Trainings: Up to 1,500 points
The County-Hosted Trainings high-impact action is designed to convene and help communities understand how to manage responsible clean energy development in their communities. View Toolkit
Community Choice Aggregation: Up to 2,000 points
Local governments can choose the source of their community’s energy supply while negotiating lower rates and ensuring a greater percentage of electricity comes from renewable sources. View Toolkit
For detailed information on each of these actions, including requirements and recommendations, or to determine which actions are right for you, read the Guidance Document [PDF] or contact your Clean Energy Community Coordinator.
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