Residential & Commercial
New Construction
Building All-Electric and Efficient From the Start
While work is underway to retrofit and decarbonize New York’s existing building stock, electrifying during construction has been shown to be the most cost-effective way to achieve fossil fuel-free buildings. Designing buildings to be efficient and all-electric from the start can cut construction costs and provide long-term savings from reduced energy consumption. Starting in 2026, the installation of fossil fuel equipment is prohibited in new buildings up to seven stories before applying to all new construction in 2029 (barring exceptions for certain commercial and emergency uses).
From emission-free heat pumps to passive building design and heat recovery systems, the technology and industry know-how are ready for all-electric new construction. Market demand for going all-electric is also growing across building types, as building decarbonization stands to future-proof against imminent energy upgrades, attract high-quality tenants and buyers, and create healthier living and working environments.
The shift to all-electric buildings will also slash greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy resilience, and add thousands of local clean energy and energy efficiency jobs across New York State. Support and resources from New York State, plus Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits, are available to help developers advance building efficiency and decarbonization in residential and commercial new construction.
New Construction Programs & Resources
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Buildings of Excellence
Recognizes and rewards the design, construction, and operation of clean, resilient, and carbon neutral-ready multifamily buildings.
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Early-Stage Design Partners
NYSERDA is seeking qualified design firms that can provide early-stage design support for carbon neutral-ready new construction and adaptive reuse projects.
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Carbon Neutral Community Economic Development
Supports net-zero economic development projects spanning manufacturing, mixed-use, downtown revitalization, and more across New York’s ten regions.
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Building Your New Home
Includes programs and resources to help design homes with efficiency and clean energy from the start.
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Inflation Reduction Act
Outlines residential and commercial tax credits for clean energy equipment and energy efficiency in new and existing construction.
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NYS Clean Heat
Connects New Yorkers with resources, incentives, and approved contractors to install residential heat pump systems.
All-Electric Buildings in Action
New construction has already begun building for a future without fossil fuel equipment. Explore the success stories below to see how these new construction projects achieved efficient, all-electric building designs, plus their project goals and lessons learned.
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St. Marks Passive House
A 10-unit infill project showcases an all-electric, net-zero design while incorporating historic architecture to match neighborhood character.
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Village Grove
An affordable multifamily building incorporates all-electric, Passive House design with ground source heat pumps.
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