Deadline: 20-Jul-21
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) is seeking applications for its Net Zero Energy Building Program, which will award grants to new construction or retrofit projects that achieve site net zero energy performance or better, over the course of a year.
The program goal is to encourage exemplary buildings that bring together beautiful design and careful construction to maximize energy efficiency, showcase renewable energy and, by educating the public and professionals, help pave the way for a larger shift in the building sector.
The Foundation aims to fund projects that demonstrate that net zero energy buildings are realistic and achievable. These flagship projects will add to the knowledge base on net zero building design, construction and operation.
Funding Information
- Eligible applicants may apply for up $2,000,000 or 80% of the incremental costs to achieve net zero energy.
- Grants are paid as follows:
- Up to 60% once the building is occupied and building performance monitoring has started
- Up to 40% after certification and 12 consecutive months of site net zero energy performance
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Local government agencies serving Illinois residents
- Colleges and Universities
- Applicants are required to provide a letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming their Employer Identification Number (EIN). 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations must also provide an IRS Tax Determination Letter, which often contains the EIN information, and an IL Charitable Organization Annual Report, Form AG 990-IL.
- Projects:
- Attain and maintain site net zero energy building performance, or better
- Obtain at least one of these certifications: PHIUS+, PHIUS+ Source Net Zero, Full Living Building Challenge, Petal (Energy) Living Building Certification, Zero Energy Living Building Certification
- Make education about net zero energy buildings an integral part of the project
- Monitor and make available on a public website “real time” load specific building performance
- Hold a “Grand Opening Celebration”
- Criteria:
- Building must be located in Illinois
- Designed as net zero energy building or net zero energy retrofit project from the beginning
- Must not have started construction
- Provide reasonable public access to completed building
- Showcase net zero energy building elements, including through permanent displays and highly visible signage
- Wholly owned by an eligible applicant; cannot include ownership by private investors or commercial interests
- Extra consideration given to projects with photovoltaic/battery energy storage systems for resilience
- Preference given to projects that incorporate natural areas and have a strong educational mission
- Must retire any environmental attributes (i.e. renewable energy credits, emission offsets, etc.) associated with the project
For more information, visit https://www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/energy-program/net-zero-energy-building-program