Funding & Financing for Commercial Buildings
Explore energy efficiency funding and financing solutions that fit your needs. Whether you're planning efficiency upgrades, electrification projects, or sustainable expansions, the Building Energy Hub connects you with a curated suite of financial tools designed to make improvements both feasible and cost-effective. Explore tailored offerings and detailed eligibility requirements and application processes by clicking “Learn More”. The Hub also has several recorded webinars with speakers from organizations offering funding tools so you can get clarity on all aspects of the funding process. If you're unsure which path fits your building best, our Help Desk is ready to guide you step-by-step.
Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund
The Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) program offers low-interest Bridge Loans to nonprofits, public entities, and commercial building owners in order to finance clean energy projects, such as building electrification, energy storage, and distributed generation, while addressing funding gaps caused by delays in receiving federal direct pay tax credits and Illinois Solar for All incentives. Apply for the EE RLF Bridge Loan here: Pre-application Link
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy
C-PACE provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to building owners for renewable energy, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and resiliency projects. C-PACE is secured through an assessment lien on the property and is repaid over time as a line item on the property tax bill. If the building changes ownership during the payback period, C-PACE does not accelerate or become due. Rather, payments transfer to the new owner. Building owners work directly with private sector lenders to provide up-front costs for projects.
Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction
The deduction is available to owners of qualified commercial buildings and designers of EECBP/EEBRP installed in buildings owned by specified tax-exempt entities, including certain government entities, Indian tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, and other tax-exempt organizations. Review specific eligibility criteria at the link below. The 179D Portal hosts two free tools to estimate potential federal tax deductions for installing eligible energy-efficient technologies in commercial buildings, with tax deductions ranging from $0.58 to $5.81 per square foot.
ComEd High Performance Design Incentive
This ComEd program provides comprehensive energy solutions for new construction and major renovation projects. You can consult with experienced technical experts at no cost and receive one-time financial incentives for new construction or major renovations designed to exceed energy code requirements. ComEd provide recommendations, assistance, and financial incentives for energy-saving improvements to all major building systems—envelope, HVAC equipment, lighting, commercial refrigeration and more.
ComEd Retro-Commissioning
An authorized Energy Efficiency Service Provider will perform a fully-funded study of your facility’s energy management systems to identify low-cost operational improvements. You can save an average of 5-15% on annual energy costs and may also qualify for incentives or additional savings through your natural gas utility’s partnership with ComEd.
ComEd New Construction Offering
This ComEd offering allows you to generate long-term energy and cost savings by enrolling your project at concept development or schematic design phase. There are two pathways for participating in the New Construction Offering: (1) Best practices or (2) Performance path.
ComEd Facility Assessments
ComEd can help find energy-saving opportunities, whether it's lights, HVAC system, chillers, or motors. An approved energy engineer will either conduct an in-person or virtual Facility Assessment to identify energy-efficiency opportunities. Within three to four weeks, you will receive a report detailing energy efficiency projects that you can start working on immediately. Each recommendation will include estimated energy savings, cost savings, project cost, potential incentives, and simple payback.
Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program
The Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers incentives for commercial customers to reduce energy consumption through efficiency improvements to their systems and equipment. The program supports commercial, industrial, and small and midsize businesses.
