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Incentive Programs for Sustainable Design
Many states and public agencies are providing financial support for sustainable design. This support takes the form of direct monetary incentives, tax credits, partial equipment rebates and design assistance. A good resource for finding what incentive programs are available on a state-by-state basis is the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. They maintain a database of state incentives that can be found at www.dsireusa.org. The following is a summary of several programs and initiatives.
New York
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (www.nyserda.org) provides technical assistance, loans and incentives to help offset the incremental first cost of energy saving designs and equipment. The state is also in the process of developing a tax credit program for sustainable design. Information on the program is available at www.dec.state.ny.us.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (www.nyserda.org) provides technical assistance, loans and incentives to help offset the incremental first cost of energy saving designs and equipment. The state is also in the process of developing a tax credit program for sustainable design. Information on the program is available at www.dec.state.ny.us.
New Jersey
New Jersey sponsors the SmartStart Building Program and the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. Both programs were set up by the Board of Public Utilities to encourage the use of energy efficient equipment and renewable resources. The SmartStart Building Program (www.njsmartstartbuildings.com) offers equipment rebates and design assistance and is administered by the local utility company. The Clean Energy program (www.njcleanenergy.com) provides rebates for renewable and low emission equipment such as wind, photovoltaics and fuel cells.
New Jersey sponsors the SmartStart Building Program and the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. Both programs were set up by the Board of Public Utilities to encourage the use of energy efficient equipment and renewable resources. The SmartStart Building Program (www.njsmartstartbuildings.com) offers equipment rebates and design assistance and is administered by the local utility company. The Clean Energy program (www.njcleanenergy.com) provides rebates for renewable and low emission equipment such as wind, photovoltaics and fuel cells.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania supports green design through the Governor's Green Government Council (www.gggc.state.pa.us). The purpose of this program is to facilitate the incorporation of environmentally sustainable practices into state projects. In addition, under electricity deregulation, individual utilities were each required to set up "Sustainable Energy Funds" to promote energy conservation and the use of clean and renewable energy. Visit www.trfund.com/sdf for information on the program in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania supports green design through the Governor's Green Government Council (www.gggc.state.pa.us). The purpose of this program is to facilitate the incorporation of environmentally sustainable practices into state projects. In addition, under electricity deregulation, individual utilities were each required to set up "Sustainable Energy Funds" to promote energy conservation and the use of clean and renewable energy. Visit www.trfund.com/sdf for information on the program in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Connecticut
Connecticut offers grants and other support for renewable energy technologies through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (www.ctcleanenergy.com). Eligible technologies include solar, wind, biomass and fuel cells.
Connecticut offers grants and other support for renewable energy technologies through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (www.ctcleanenergy.com). Eligible technologies include solar, wind, biomass and fuel cells.
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense funds the Climate Change Fuel Cell program through the DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory. Availability is based on funding provided in each fiscal year. Information on current program availability can be found at www.dodfuelcell.com.
The Department of Defense funds the Climate Change Fuel Cell program through the DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory. Availability is based on funding provided in each fiscal year. Information on current program availability can be found at www.dodfuelcell.com.