New York State Launches 4th Round of Buildings of Excellence Competition

New York Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday announced another $10 million in funding for Round Four of the Buildings of Excellence Competition. The Competition is being administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and supports developers and architects who demonstrate a commitment to reducing carbon emissions while also creating innovative and cost-effective structures. Proposals to the Competition’s solicitation for demonstration projects will be accepted through Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 3:00 PM. Applications to secure Early Design Support will be accepted continuously through June 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

Since being launched in 2019, the program has awarded $48 million to replicable, resilient, and zero-carbon multifamily projects throughout the State of New York. The latest round will provide financial awards and recognition for the design and construction of climate-friendly buildings and advance Governor Hochul’s ambitious goal of creating two million climate-friendly homes by 2030 while also supporting New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050.

“This unique competition is driving real change within our building sector, creating low-carbon structures in communities across New York that will lead to a stronger and healthier state for all,” Governor Hochul said. “We are providing the necessary support to create energy-efficient multifamily homes through the continuation of the Buildings of Excellence competition.”

“Launching the fourth round of the Buildings of Excellence Competition demonstrates Governor Hochul’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring our building stock is cleaner throughout New York,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said. “This significant investment creates healthier living spaces and communities for all New Yorkers, while driving down harmful emissions from buildings, which is one of our highest contributing sectors - and pushes us forward on our path to achieving two million climate friendly homes by 2030.”

Proposals are being accepted for early-stage design projects from developers and their design teams that integrate carbon neutral features into pre-schematic and schematic design phases and lead to the cost-effective construction and completion of exemplary multifamily buildings. The Competition prioritizes housing and energy affordability and equality, supporting the Climate Act’s goal to ensure that at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of the benefits of clean energy investments support disadvantaged communities.

For more information on this funding opportunity, please visit NYSERDA’s website. NYSERDA will also hold an informational webinar on Tuesday July 25, 2023, starting at 10:00 AM. Participants will have the opportunity to submit written questions to the presenters in advance or during the webinar and should complete this form to receive an invitation for the listed session and to be notified of additional informational webinars that may be scheduled.