In support of New York State’s aggressive carbon reduction goals the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s new incentives are structured to support a “fabric first” approach and then push toward net zero buildings. NYSERDA recognizes the power of Passive House in establishing very energy efficient, resilient, healthy and comfortable buildings as the basis of achieving our post carbon future – and has established significant cash incentives for Passive House certified residential buildings. NYSERDA recognizes certification from both the Passive House Institute (PHI) and PHIUS. Achieve full NYSERDA incentives (up to $4,500 per unit) by hitting net zero with a combination of Passive House certification and solar (with added NY State solar money – www.ny-sun.ny.gov – on top of NYSERDA’s). Buildings generally three stories and under use the Low-rise Residential New Construction Program (PON 2309). Buildings generally with 10 or greater units and 4 or more stories use the Multifamily New Construction Program (PON 3319).
Here’s our brief overview of the two programs:
Low-rise Residential New Construction Program (PON 2309)
• Buildings generally three stories or less.
• Includes Gut Renovations
• Available for Low to Moderate Income (LMI) projects AND Market Rate projects
• Energy Star Certification and inspection by a HERS Rater affiliated with a RESNET Accredited Provider is required. (May get specific waivers for retrofits.)
• Contractor must enter into an Energy Star Partner Agreement (1 hour online course) And HVAC Contractor must be H-QUITO credentialed(when required by ENERGY STAR standards).
• Passive House and PHIUS+ certified projects may get waivers from specific equipment efficiency and building requirements.
• Passive House and PHIUS+ certifications can achieve Tier 2 incentives. Combined with renewables they can reach Tier 3 incentives.
• Tier 3 projects are also eligible to receive NYS solar incentives. www.ny-sun.ny.gov
• Example 1: 10 unit Market Rate attached homes, permitted in 2017 and achieves Tier 3 = 10 units x $4,000 = $40,000. Plus advertising incentive of up to $750/home.
• Example 2: 20 unit LMI Multifamily building, permitted in 2016 or 2017 and achieves Tier 3 = 20 units x $3,500 = $70,000.
• For more information the program website is HERE. Contact Michelle.Tinner@clearesult.com
Multifamily New Construction Program (PON 3319)
• Buildings generally with 10 or more units and 4 or more stories.
• Includes Gut Renovations
• Available for Low to Moderate Income (LMI) projects AND Market Rate projects
• Energy Star Inspections and Requirements are not required by the program for Passive House Paths.
• There are four compliance paths to choose from:
• Performance Path with ENERGY STAR
• Modified Prescriptive Path (MoPP)
• PHIUS+ certification with PHIUS.
• Passive House certification with the Passive House Institute (PHI).
• For PHI and PHIUS pathways you must contract with an approved Modeling Partner (RFP 3036), Certified Consultant/Designer and accredited Certifier.
• Find Passive House Certifiers here, and Consultants/Designers here.
• Find PHIUS+ Certifier and Consultants here.
• Passive projects must be certified to obtain Tier 2 and Tier 3 incentives.
• In addition, for Tier 3 incentives, the buildings must also achieve more stringent standards:
• PHI certified Tier 3 buildings must reach a Primary Energy target of 29 kBtu/ft2/yr including any renewables. (33 kBTU/ft2/yr must come from building performance, the remaining 4 kBTU/ft2/yr can come from renewables, distributed generation, building performance, or a combination of each).
• PHIUS certified Tier 3 buildings much reach a Primary Energy Demand of 4,200kWh/person/yr including any renewables. (5,200 kWh/person/yr must come from building performance, the remaining 1000 kWh/person/yr can come from renewables, distributed generation, building performance, or a combination of each).
• Tier 3 projects are also eligible to receive NYS solar incentives. www.ny-sun.ny.gov
• Example 1: 90 unit Market Rate building, permitted in 2017 and achieves Tier 3 = 49 units x $1,400 + 41 units x $1,200 = $117,800.
• Example 2: 90 unit LMI Multifamily building, permitted in 2016 or 2017 and achieves Tier 3 = 49 units x $3,500 + 41 units x $3,000 = $294,500.
• For more information the program website is HERE. Contact GMcLaughlin@trcsolutions.com
Make sure your next residential development in New York State is part of the solution – sign-up for NYSERDA incentives today.
NOTE: NYSERDA incentives are available to buildings in the following utility service areas within New York State: National Grid, ConEdison, Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland, New York State Electric & Gas, and Rochester Gas & Electric.
We are encouraged by NYSERDA’s leadership. We see great momentum for such critical financial and programmatic support growing across the country. We are excited to help.
