How to Search for Sustainability Incentives in Your State
Despite the uncertain federal situation, there are a multitude of incentives available at the state-level.
Below are a few strategies when searching for opportunities in your respective state.
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Start with Your State’s Energy Office - Every state has an official energy or environmental agency that runs rebates, grants, loan programs, etc.
Search: [State Name] Energy Office + Commercial Incentive
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This is the most comprehensive database of sustainability incentives in the U.S.
Search: [State name] + DSIRE
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Reducing energy use is a win/win for both consumer and the utility
Search: [Your Utility] + Commercial Rebates
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States may offer incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings or preserving cultural districts. These types of improvements often lead to more efficient energy use and, in turn, more sustainable operations.
Search: [State] Small Business Grants + Building Improvements
Example State-Level Sustainability Incentives Available: Colorado
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Collective Clean Energy Fund - Energy Improvement Loan
Description: This is a loan program intended to fill finance gaps for businesses and tax-exempt organizations implementing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building electrification projects.
Qualified Entities: Owners of commercial, industrial, agricultural, and community buildings
Funding Terms Overview: Up to $1 million, up to 15 year term, fixed interest below market rates
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Colorado Energy Office - Heat Pump Tax Credit
Description: This program offers an upfront discount on heat pumps to businesses that install a qualified heat pump through a registered contractor.
Qualified Entities: All Colorado residents, businesses, and other organizations
Funding Terms Overview: Contractor retains 2/3 of the tax credit while the customer retains the remaining 1/3
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Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Financing
Description: This is a loan program that enables owners of commercial buildings to use private sector money to finance qualifying energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, water conservation, and other improvements to the property to reduce its energy or water use.
Qualified Entities: Owners of commercial properties that are located in a participating C-PACE county, require financing for eligible improvements, are current on property taxes and municipal assessments, are not in bankruptcy or mortgage default, and are used for commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes
Funding Terms Overview: C-PACE eligible projects typically range from $200,000 to over $1 million. Contact a C-PACE administrator for interest rates.
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Colorado Community Revitalization Tax Credit
Description: This program offers a tax credit for capital improvement projects located within creative districts, historic districts, neighborhood commercial centers, or main streets that support creative industries and their workers. This program is in place through tax year 2029.
Qualified Entities: Businesses, corporations, and non-profits. Additional qualifying requirements can be found here.
Funding Terms Overview: Up to 25% of project's total expenses, maximum $3 million.
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Colorado Commercial Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Description: This program offers a tax credit for building owners planning to rehabilitate a historic commercial building.
Qualified Entities: Owners of properties that produce income, are at least 30 years old, and are listed on the state registry of historic properties
Funding Terms Overview: 20-25% of a project's total expenses, maximum $2 million
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Xcel Energy - Lighting and Equipment Rebates
Description: This program offers rebates to businesses performing lighting and energy efficiency upgrades to their buildings.
Qualified Entities: Xcel customers on a commercial electricity or natural gas billing rate
Funding Terms Overview: Funding amount is variable and dependent on the type of equipment installed. More information can be found at the link below.
