New York is pouring millions into new building technologies aimed at cutting energy costs and emissions statewide.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $23 million in awards for 24 projects through the NextGen Buildings Innovation Challenges program on December 15. The funding supports new technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce demand, and lower operating costs in buildings across the state.
State officials say the projects focus on practical solutions that can scale in both new construction and existing buildings. The effort targets key gaps that slow building decarbonization, one of New York’s largest sources of carbon emissions.
“These awards support practical innovations that reduce energy use, improve comfort and give building owners more control over their energy bills,” Hochul said. “They will also strengthen resiliency by making buildings more reliable during extreme weather.”
Focus on clean, affordable buildings
The program is run by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Each selected project receives funding to develop, commercialize, and demonstrate new clean-energy products or systems.
Officials said five of the projects directly benefit low- to moderate-income housing or are located in disadvantaged communities.
“NYSERDA’s NextGen Buildings Innovation Challenges continue to move innovation forward in a way that is transforming how buildings are designed, operated, and powered across New York State,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris.
What the projects target
The funded projects focus on several areas tied to building performance and grid flexibility. Those include building envelope upgrades, geothermal heat pump cost reductions, thermal storage, and intelligent systems that help buildings respond to energy demand.
Examples highlighted by the state include improved wall insulation and air sealing, data-driven energy controls in commercial buildings, lower-cost geothermal drilling, induction stoves with integrated batteries, and technologies that shift energy use away from peak demand.
Support from state leaders
State energy and legislative leaders praised the awards as a step toward cleaner, more affordable buildings.
“These winning projects point the way for building operators to retrofit existing buildings or equip new buildings with clean, energy efficient systems,” said Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian.
State lawmakers said the funding also supports job creation and helps ensure clean energy investments reach all communities.
Part of a larger climate push
Funding for the program comes from New York’s Clean Energy Fund. Officials said nearly $49 million has now been awarded to 51 projects through the NextGen program under Hochul’s administration.
The effort aligns with the state’s broader climate agenda, which calls for an emissions-free economy by 2050 and directs at least 35 percent of clean energy benefits to disadvantaged communities.
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