Sustainable Construction Grants
The federal government funds programs in sustainable construction with the intention of encouraging and financing improvements to energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy and the reduction of water pollution. Several different government agencies are responsible for administering sustainable construction grants. Most grants are only available to state and local government agencies, though private businesses and individuals may be paid by those agencies to build projects.
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State Energy Program
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The Department of Energy provides grant funding to state governments and local agencies for sustainable construction projects and energy efficiency retrofits. The State Energy Program is awarded to state governments, who then awards project funding according to local priorities. Projects eligible for funding include energy efficiency improvements, projects to reduce vehicle emissions, and energy-efficient new construction. Individuals and organizations are not eligible to apply for this grant with the federal government, though they can often receive grants funded by this program from their state government.
NETL Project Management Center
Department of Energy
950 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585
202-586-9424
Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons
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The federal government also provides grants for sustainable construction projects that help reduce energy costs for low-income individuals and families. The Department of Energy administers the Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons, which awards grants to state governments. Local governments can also apply in the event that their state government does not. Projects eligible for funding include the installation and upgrading of appliances, insulation improvements and weatherproofing construction.
Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program,
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585
877-337-3463
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Construction Grants for Wastewater Works
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The Environmental Protection Agency funds grant programs for sustainable construction projects that help to reduce water pollution. The Construction Grants for Wastewater Treatment Works program helps local communities and state governments finance new construction or upgrades of infrastructure to treat sewage. While any local government or wastewater utility can apply for funding under this grant, the states are responsible for identifying wastewater priorities within their state.
Sustainable Communities Branch
Office of Wastewater Management
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
202-564-0634
Rural Energy for American Program
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Grants for sustainable construction projects in rural areas are available from the Department of Agriculture. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is designed to help farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses finance the costs of sustainable construction. Projects eligible for funding from REAP include energy efficiency retrofits, the construction of renewable energy facilities, and feasibility studies related to sustainable construction projects. This grant has matching requirements, meaning that the USDA expects are large portion of the project's funding to come from the grant recipient.
Specialty Lenders Division
Rural Development
US Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
202-720-1400
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References
- Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: State Energy Program
- Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons
- Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: Construction Grants for Wastewater Treatment Works
- Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: Rural Energy for America Program
Resources
- Photo Credit sewer construction image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
