Empire Building Challenge Awards Multifamily Energy Efficiency Projects
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 10 partners would be receiving nearly $28 million towards energy efficiency and electrification projects. These projects will span over 123,000 multifamily units and total over 123 million square feet of real estate. The state’s Empire Building Challenge is awarding funds to these projects to lower carbon emissions, reduce operating costs and improve resident living conditions.
Administered by the New York State Energy Research Development Authority, the challenge aids the state’s clean energy transition. Over 13,000 affordable housing units in multifamily buildings are set to undergo energy efficiency and electrification projects. Of the 22 showcase buildings included in the projects, 17 are located in disadvantaged communities.
Receiving up to $3 million, each project can reduce fossil fuels up to 100% in multifamily buildings. Additionally, the challenge will attract private investment and demonstrate how such projects can retrofit buildings of any size.
According to a statement from Governor Hochul, “Thanks to the support and partnership of the real estate industry, the Empire Building Challenge has spurred innovative demonstration projects that are driving building modernization across the state, and these multifamily projects are just another step forward toward a cleaner, healthier future for all New Yorkers.”
