Buildings of Excellence Competition

The Buildings of Excellence Competition sits under NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and rewards the design, construction, and operation of low- and zero-carbon multifamily buildings in New York State. The program is tied to the state’s clean energy agenda and focuses on projects that can demonstrate climate resilience, energy efficiency, and healthier living conditions. It is a competitive grant route for building teams rather than a general real-estate subsidy. Available rounds include at least five cycles, with Round 3 awarding $13.5 million to 14 projects, Round 4 offering $10 million, and Round 5 offering another $10 million and awarding roughly $7 million to nine projects. Cumulative support is reported in the $68 million to $83 million range across the program. Eligibility is confined to multifamily residential buildings, with zero-carbon or carbon-neutral performance central to selection. The strongest applicants are architects, developers, and operators who can pair ambitious design with credible delivery. Projects that combine energy efficiency, climate resilience, and community health tend to align most closely with the competition’s goals. In practice, the program rewards building concepts that can be shown, constructed, and operated as durable examples for the broader New York market.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.