Primary Energy Consultants- New Construction

Note that the Building Better Homes Program has stopped accepting applications, as of December 31, 2023 and solicitations for Net Zero Energy Housing Resources is now over and are provided for informational purposes only.

Description

The former PON 3609 program that provided technical and financial support for commercial new construction projects ended in February 2023. NYSERDA now offers technical support in this sector through its Primary Energy Consultants – New Construction Program. NYSERDA does not offer financial incentives for new construction, change of use, or substantial renovation projects to non-residential and mixed-use buildings that achieve Carbon Neutral Ready performance through this new program. Primary Energy Consultants and the corresponding New Construction Initiatives Support Services Request for Proposal (RFP) 3771 focus exclusively on technical guidance and matching building owners and developers with firms that meet NYSERDA’s minimum requirements to provide support services for projects in NYSERDA’s New Construction initiatives.

Eligibility

Primary Energy Consultants- New Construction Program

Firms interested in becoming approved Primary Energy Consultants through RFP 3771 must demonstrate relevant staff credentials, experience on at least three previous projects providing energy consulting services, and evidence of achieving above-code energy performance on at least one project since 2016. The eligibility criteria vary based on the service category.

NYSERDA is looking for firms and businesses that deliver energy consulting services in multiple service categories, including:

• Energy modeling and analysis
• Building commissioning
• Advanced clean energy building facilitation
• Third-party quality assurance, and
• Smart-building service

All owners and developers of commercial new construction projects are eligible to sign up with an approved Primary Energy Consultant using NYSERDA’s filtering tool.

New Zero Energy Housing Resources

Builders and developers committed to designing single-family homes or multifamily buildings that achieve net zero energy performance may use the resources provided to incorporate a range of technologies and energy-saving features, as well as high-quality construction practices.

Building Better Homes Program (RFP 4875)

Firms that build single-family homes may be eligible for RFP 4875. Applicant eligibility is determined by the firm’s experience in actively building single-family homes in New York State, participation in NYSERDA’s New Construction Housing program within the last 12 months, recent building permits and executed contracts with homebuyers, and a public commitment to building carbon-neutral homes.

How the Program Works

Primary Energy Consultants

Once approved, consultants will enter into a standard two-year agreement with NYSERDA to deliver energy consulting services to building owners, developers, and leaseholders, with the possibility of renewal. Benefits for approved Primary Energy Consultants include:

• Access to New Construction initiatives cost-share funding, as available.

• Technical guidance documents, case studies, and other materials to improve on the services you offer.
• Promotional materials to help get the word out on the benefits of hiring an energy consultant.
• Being searchable by project owners looking to take advantage of NYSERDA programs on nyserda.ny.gov.

All commercial building owners and developers may select a Primary Energy Consultant using the list maintained by NYSERDA (searchable by County, Specialty, and Credentials). The Primary Energy Consultant may also help developers identify current NYSERDA funding opportunities and other New Construction Program resources that their projects qualify for.

Net Zero Housing Resources

This program supports builders of single-family houses and developers of multifamily buildings in achieving net zero energy performance. Net zero implies that the home or multifamily project can produce as much energy as it consumes over a year. The program utilizes proven technologies and advanced building practices, along with performance testing, to ensure homes
meet the highest standard of energy performance. To achieve net zero energy performance, homes are meticulously designed with technologies such as solar systems, solar thermal systems, higher performance building elements, efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, advanced lighting design, and high-efficiency appliances. Eligible builders and developers access resources and information on technology options through NYSERDA.

Building Better Homes Program (RFP 4875)

This program focuses on advancing the development of healthier, carbon-neutral single-family homes and neighborhoods across the state. NYSERDA may provide approved program partners with funding, training, and resources to modernize and decarbonize their building practices for high-quality, reliable, and sustainable carbon-neutral homes. Approved Partners can access various incentive and support categories, including Carbon-Neutral Design or Redesign Support, Professional Consultation Services Support, Carbon-Neutral Marketing Cost Share, and Carbon-Neutral Model Home Incentive. Selection
through the RFP is precondition for eligibility to receive program task work orders and incentive payments.

How to Apply

Primary Energy Consultation

To become a Primary Energy Consultants through RFP 3771, interested firms can submit an online application through the NYSERDA portal. The application requires a company profile, evidence of licenses and certifications, work samples from previous projects, and a rate schedule. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection within four weeks after a complete application is received.

Net Zero Energy Housing Resources

Eligible builders and developers access resources and information on technology options through NYSERDA.

Building Better Homes Program

Applicants submit proposals via the RFP 4875 solicitation. The application process requires single-family builders to demonstrate eligibility based on experience, production levels, and commitment to building carbon-neutral homes. Applications will be accepted continuously through December 31, 2023.

Contact Information

Get in touch at NewConstructionProgram@nyserda.ny.gov or call (800) 284-9069.

For inquiries related to RFP 3771, applicants can contact Gwen McLaughlin at (212) 971-5342, ext. 3099 or by email at RFP3771@nyserda.ny.gov, or Pat Fitzgerald at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3385 or by email at PatrickNC@nyserda.ny.gov for technical questions. Contractual inquiries can be directed to Venice Forbes at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3507 or venicesolicitations@nyserda.ny.gov.