Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $30 million in funding to support energy efficiency and electrification upgrades at hospitals across New York State. The funding, part of the Empire Building Challenge: Hospitals program, aims to reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and create healthier hospital environments.
“New York State is leading the way forward with innovative solutions that tackle our energy challenges,” Hochul said. “Hospitals are the cornerstones of our communities, and this investment will drive efforts to make them cleaner, more efficient, and safer for healthcare workers, patients, and visitors as we work to electrify this critical sector of our economy.”
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the program will award up to $5 million per hospital for electrification and energy efficiency projects. Eligible projects include upgrades to building systems, electrification readiness efforts, and comprehensive energy efficiency improvements. Priority will be given to hospitals in disadvantaged communities.
“Hospitals are one of the most important staples in communities,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Patients, their loved ones, and healthcare workers deserve modern, clean, and environmentally safe spaces.”
Hospitals selected for funding may also receive up to $50,000 for training building operators on new systems. The goal is to create long-term sustainability while ensuring hospital staff can maintain and optimize energy-efficient upgrades.
Proposals for funding are due by August 14, 2025. NYSERDA will host an informational webinar on March 18 to provide further details.
The initiative builds on the broader $50 million Empire Building Challenge, launched in 2020, which has helped decarbonize more than 128 million square feet of commercial and multifamily real estate in New York. The program aligns with the state’s climate agenda, which seeks to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and invest in clean energy solutions.
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