New York State Government: Governor Hochul Announces $18 Million Next Generation Buildings Innovation Challenges for Advanced Building Technologies
June 28, 2023 New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the availability of $18 million for the Next Generation Buildings Innovation Challenges, supporting projects that promote advanced building technologies for clean heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, building envelopes, and controls. This initiative aligns with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050. The program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), encourages the development, commercialization, and demonstration of technologies to improve building performance, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction. The focus areas for this round include innovative solutions for building envelope systems and components, ground-source heat pump cost reduction, and intelligent building solutions to enable electrification without costly upgrades and reduce peak electricity demand. The program aims to directly benefit low- to moderate-income communities, with several challenge areas targeting multifamily buildings. The proposed rule will undergo a public comment period before final approval, and NYSERDA will provide informational webinars for interested companies. This initiative supports New York’s ambitious goals for building decarbonization and electrification, addressing a sector responsible for a significant portion of the state’s emissions.