Real Estate Advisor Law Blog : Ohio Real Estate Lawyer & Attorney : Ulmer & Berne Law Firm : Columbus, Cleveland OH

The Ohio Department of Development has announced the availability of $8,000,000 in grant funding for qualifying energy efficiency projects undertaken at existing multi-family, commercial, and institutional buildings. The goal of the program is to encourage the installation of energy efficiency equipment that will measurably improve the energy efficiency of existing multi-family, commercial, and institutional buildings. The program is competitive, and awards will range from $125,000 to $1,000,000 per project. The funds available under this program were originally allocated to Ohio under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

Individuals and businesses within Ohio may apply for funding, although government agencies, individual residential building owners and schools are generally not eligible.  Applicants must have match funding equal to at least 50% of the total project cost. Additionally, projects should demonstrate job creation or retention through: (1) retrofit or installation hours; (2) new jobs directly created through the project; or (3) retention of existing jobs at the site. 

Funds may be used on energy efficiency improvements such as:

·        Insulation

·        LED Lighting

·        Energy Efficient Lighting Technologies

·        Efficiency Equipment

·        HVAC Upgrades

·        Weather Sealing

·        ENERGY STAR Appliances

·        Replacement of Windows and Doors

·        Installation of Geothermal Heat Pumps

·        Energy Audits/Commissioning/Retro-commissioning

·        Retrofits with Green Energy Techniques

·        Above Energy Code Pilot Projects

Applications for funding are filed in two stages. First, the applicant must submit a project summary on the http://recovery.ohio.gov website by April 23, 2010. Next, a complete proposal must be submitted to ODOD by April 30, 2010. Grants are to be announced around May 28, 2010.

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Recently, 60 Minutes aired a story about Bloom Energy, a Silicon Valley  alternative energy start-up, which has developed fuel cell technology capable of taking us off of the electrical grid.  The video speaks for itself so watch it below.  As you watch it, think about how technology such as this will transform the real estate industry.  Besides the reductions in electric costs, how power is brought into a facility or development changes with this technology.  Green energy/alternative energy is only going to make us all better at what we do !

Watch CBS News Videos Online

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In the past, we have spoken about grants and loans available through the Ohio Department of Development for advanced energy residential projects, such as solar and wind energy installation.  Federal funding is also available for residential energy-reduction projects through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).  A total of $250 Million from ARRA was allocated to HUD for its Assisted Housing Green Retrofit Program (GRP).  Under GRP, HUD is offering up to $15,000 per residential unit for projects that reduce energy costs, reduce water use, and improve indoor environmental quality.  HUD expects to fund about 25,000 units (approximately 300-350 properties), with an average $10,000 provided to each unit.

Beginning June 15, 2009, HUD is accepting applications for GRP funding on a first come, first served basis, and subject to allocations for project categories, geographic location and owner/affiliate concentration.  HUD may offer either a Green Retrofit Grant or a Green Retrofit Loan repayable from a share of surplus cash and from sale and refinancing proceeds.  The performance period for completing all Green Retrofits will generally be twelve (12) months, but in no event may it exceed twenty-four (24) months.  The program requirements differ depending on the type of project-based assistance contract and depending on the owner entity (nonprofit or for profit).

The properties eligible to receive GRP funding are the following: Section 202 funded properties that have at least 32 units; Section 811 funded properties that have at least 8 units; properties receiving assistance pursuant to Section 8 with USDA Section 515 loans and which have at least 20 units; and all other Section 8 funded properties having at least 72 units.

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