New York State has announced that it will provide $10 million in funding for the construction and marketing of new zero-emission single-family homes and townhomes through the Building Better Homes Initiative. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the program is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to encourage the construction of clean and resilient homes throughout the state.
“New homes built to the latest clean energy and efficiency standards will ensure greener, healthier housing is available to all New Yorkers while helping pave the way toward a more sustainable future,” Governor Hochul said while announcing the launch of the program in October. “This investment is another part of the State’s comprehensive strategy to transform the new construction market, curb emissions, and ensure fewer homes and buildings rely on fossil fuels.”
Eligible projects are required to meet performance metrics that surpass code minimums with respect to energy efficiency and clean energy. To do so, projects must meet criteria established by third-party verifiers including, but not limited to, the Passive House Institute and Phius. Eligible projects are also required to demonstrate resiliency with respect to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which must be designed to remain operable during power outages or include backup power sources that can be used in the event of a power outage.
The Building Better Homes Program offers support for developers and home builders in the design and construction of new zero emission single family homes and townhomes, marketing and promotion of these homes, and training focused on Passive House principles applicable to single family homes and townhomes. Passive House training for staff and contractors is available for developers and builders who need certified tradespeople and designers to successfully achieve certification for new homes.
Approved Trainings and Certifications include:
· Phius Certified Consultant Training and Exam, $2,100 per person
· Phius Certified Builder Training and Exam, $2,100 per person
· Phius CORE Prescriptive Path Training, $250 per person
· WUFI Passive - Single Family Training, $450 per person
· Phius Intro to THERM Workshop, $450 per person
· Phius Certified Rater Training & Exam, $900 per person
· Passive House Institute Passive House Fundamentals, $200 per person
· Passive House Institute Navigating Building Certification, $200 per person
· Passive House Institute Passive House Planning Package Online Course, $400 per person
· Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Tradesperson, $3,000 per person
· PH-Designer Training, $2,295 per person
· PHPP Modeler, $495 per person
· Thermal Bridging Calculations, $395 per person
Funding is available on a first come, first served basis, with base incentives per home of up to $7,000 and up to $4,000 for townhomes. Homes in disadvantaged communities are eligible to receive an additional $1,000 per project. Homes utilizing geothermal systems are also eligible for an additional $1,000 per project.
Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2025, by 3 p.m. ET or until funds have been exhausted. For more information on this opportunity, including eligibility requirements, please visit the website for NYSERDA’s Building Better Homes – Zero Emission Homes for Healthier Communities Program. The fine print can be read here.