Governor Announces $10 Million Available To Advance Zero-Emission Homes

Governor Kathy Hochul announced last month that $10 million is now available to advance new zero-emission homes in New York State.

The Building Better Homes – Zero Emission Homes for Healthier Communities program incentivizes the design, construction and marketing of new clean and resilient single-family homes and townhomes and provides training and technical support to builders and developers. Advancing zero-emission new construction across the state will reduce emissions, improve indoor air quality, and create healthy, comfortable and resilient living environments for all New Yorkers, according to the governor’s office.

“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,” Hochul said. “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.”

The program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, provides funding on a first-come, first-served basis to builders and developers that commit to designing, constructing and growing market awareness and demand for new zero-emission single-family homes and townhomes. Projects must meet performance requirements and third-party certification criteria that address clean energy, above-code energy efficiency, and resiliency, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that remain operable during power outages or include backup power sources that can be used in the event of a power outage.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Bringing builders and developers resources to advance zero-emission new construction is at the heart of Governor Hochul’s commitment to build homes that are healthy, comfortable, and maximize consumer control over energy use. This program continues NYSERDA’s long history of working with the market to bring the latest in energy and efficiency measures to more New Yorkers.”

The base incentive per home is up to $7,000 and up to $4,000 for townhomes. Homes located in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group, will be eligible for the higher incentive amount with an additional $1,000 offered per project in these areas. Funding is also available for Passive House training of staff and contractors to help develop the expertise needed to effectively incorporate these standards into new homes.

Applications for a single home, townhome or multiple homes and townhomes within a housing subdivision will be accepted through December 31, 2025, by 3 p.m. or until funds have been exhausted. For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit NYSERDA’s website.

This program is part of the Building Better Homes Initiative, which is designed to advance market awareness of zero-emission building practices and provide resources that can be distributed to consumers about the benefits of them. Benefits to consumers include improved indoor air quality, reducing the potential for asthma and allergies, and more comfortable living, all resulting from modern, high-performance appliances, such as induction cooktops, convection ovens, and clothes washers with integrated heat pump dryers.

Buildings are one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State, according to the governor’s office, and through NYSERDA and utility programs, more than $6.8 billion is being invested to decarbonize buildings. With more than 10,000 new homes being built per year in New York State, the governor’s office states that working with the home building market to reduce emissions is critical to making progress toward the state’s climate and energy goals, including the governor’s goal to achieve 2 million climate-friendly homes by 2030.