Commercial: New Buildings: Path to Net Zero

Path to Net Zero Incentives

Net-zero buildings are the result of imagining, designing and building in a completely new way. These buildings have the potential to create as much energy as they consume over the course of each year. That’s why Energy Trust offers increased incentives for Whole Building projects that reach higher Path to Net Zero energy-saving goals.

Incentives and benefits

Every project has a unique Path to Net Zero. Partner with us for a structured, comprehensive approach to support the entire design and construction process, step by energy-saving step. Explore the offerings below or download the Path to Net Zero Overview (PDF) to learn more.

Early design assistance

This is where it all begins. We’ll provide you with up to $6,500 and help you establish your design goals, set targets and define strategies for maximum savings.

Solar planning incentives

See the sunny side of smart planning with incentives to incorporate solar + storage into your building design.

Technical assistance incentives

We can help offset the cost of energy modeling and technical studies to help you reach the Path to Net Zero. We cover up to 60% of the cost of relevant technical studies, up to $40,000 total.

Installation incentives

Whole Building projects that reduce energy use intensity by at least 80% beyond the average building are on the Path to Net Zero. By meeting this threshold, you can receive an increased incentive for every therm and kWh saved.

Energy metering 

Accurate data is key to achieving your net-zero goals. We’ll cover up to 50% of the cost of energy metering equipment that monitors your building’s energy performance, up to $20,000. 

Zero Energy Certification 

If your building has achieved net-zero performance, we’ll provide $2,000 for Zero Energy Certification from the International Living Future Institute. This certification attests to your sustainability efforts and positions your building as a model for sustainability in the industry.

Learn more

Early design assistance 

Early Design Assistance

Get up to $6,500 to offset the cost of an early design charrette (an interactive brainstorming session with all the members of your project team):

Early design assistance: $2,500 to $5,000
Solar early design add-on: $500
Commissioning agent add-on: $500
Grid-interactive efficient building add-on (for including an expert who can determine how your building can take advantage of energy load management strategies): $500

Solar planning

Planning	Details*
Solar Early Design Add-On	$500 for including a solar trade ally contractor in your early design meeting Contact an outreach manager
Solar Development Assistance	Up to $2,500 to determine the solar potential of your building Contact a solar trade ally
Battery Storage Development Assistance	Up to $5,000 for a battery storage feasibility study to see how you might pair battery storage with a new or existing solar installation Contact a solar trade ally
Solar-Ready Design	Up to $15,000 to meet Energy Trust’s solar-ready standards if installing solar panels isn’t possible during construction Contact an outreach manager

Technical assistance

Technical Assistance

60% of the cost of relevant technical studies, up to $40,000 total. Common studies include:

Early design shoebox modeling
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis
Daylighting studies
Energy modeling
Design review commissioning (CxDR)

Installation 

Whole Building Modeled Savings (≥5% energy use reduction compared to a standard building)	$0.25 per kWh and $0.80 per therm
Path to Net Zero Modeled Savings (≥80% reduction)	$0.40 per kWh and $1.20 per therm

Post-construction

Energy Metering	Up to 50% of the cost, up to $20,000 total
Zero Energy Certification	$2,000 for Zero Energy Certification from the International Living Future Institute