New Construction & Development
Build the value of clean energy into your new construction projects from the start.
A new construction or gut rehab project is often the best time to explore clean energy options. Below, developers and business owners alike can discover new ways to add the value of clean energy to your building projects and stay ahead of the competition.
How You Benefit
- Create new value, whether you are a developer or a business owner
- Position yourself as a leader in the emerging market for low-carbon buildings
- Futureproof your portfolio and protect your assets
- Stay ahead of the curve of building energy codes and product standards, which are accelerating for new construction projects
- Create safer, healthier, more productive environments for your clients, employees, and tenants
Key Energy Saving Opportunities
1. High-Efficiency Lighting Design
Energy-efficient lighting in buildings can create a safer, more productive environment and save money. In comparison to conventional lighting options, high-efficiency lighting uses less energy, costs less to operate, and can last much longer than traditional options—up to 25 years. You can also use controls and sensors to increase safety and save even more. Light your buildings the right way from the very beginning with high-efficiency lighting design.
Learn more about high-efficiency lighting
2. Building Envelope Design
Constructing a highly-efficient building envelope, which includes products and techniques such as insulation and air sealing, can be a low-cost and effective way to reduce heating and cooling costs over the life of a building. Prioritizing your building envelope during a new construction or gut rehab project also helps increase comfort for your clients, employees, or tenants by regulating your indoor climate (temperature control, air quality, etc.) and protecting against outdoor elements (drafts, condensation, etc.). A properly sealed and insulated building is a great first step on your business’s path to a low carbon building portfolio.
Learn more about building envelope upgrades
3. Ventilation System Upgrades
Installing efficient ventilation systems can improve the comfort and air quality of your building while reducing energy consumption. For example, demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) systems automatically adjust your ventilation equipment to meet the needs of your building and tenants. DCV systems can also reduce ventilation when spaces are not occupied or are at lower than peak occupancy to optimize efficiency.
Learn more about ventilation systems
4. Clean Heating and Cooling Systems
Clean heating and cooling technologies, such as heat pumps, make it possible to keep the occupants of your new building comfortable year-round, save energy, and reduce your carbon footprint. Unlike conventional HVAC systems, heat pumps draw heat from the environment and move it indoors to heat or move it outdoors to cool your building. Heat pumps also allow for zoned heating and cooling—letting you customize the temperature of different spaces.
New Construction Programs & Resources
NYSERDA supports architects, developers, and business owners in improving the energy efficiency of new construction projects.
Programs are available from NYSERDA to help identify energy-efficient opportunities for your new construction projects and develop an implementation plan.
- Building Energy Codes Training & Resources: No-cost and low-cost training and support services to architects, engineers, building energy professionals, and members of the construction trades to improve compliance with the State Energy Code.
- Buildings of Excellence Competition: Inspires the design, construction, and operation of carbon neutral-ready multifamily buildings by rewarding visionary architects and developers with recognition and monetary awards for their carbon neutral projects.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Developers and portfolio owners can improve their bottom line and futureproof their business by reducing energy use and adopting clean technologies in their new construction projects. Consider maximizing energy-saving strategies with additional cost-effective energy investments, including:
- Community Heat Pumps Pilot Program: Learn how community thermal energy networks can address the heating and cooling needs of new construction projects as well as retrofits of existing buildings and campuses.
- Electric Vehicles & Charging Stations: Converting your fleet and installing charging infrastructure can reduce costs and attract a growing customer base of EV drivers.
- Energy Storage: Use energy storage technologies to create a continuous, reliable supply of energy for your new building.
- Solar: Compare options for powering your building with a clean, cost-saving energy source.
For a full list of programs, visit our energy programs and incentives page.
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