City of Houston - Energy Efficiency Incentive Program

In January 2011, the city of Houston announced incentives available to existing building owners in the City of Houston. In order to be eligible, the building owners must first participate in the Houston Green Office Challenge. The applicant must be a building owner of a building that is at least 7,500 square feet of office space. The owner must hire a Certified Energy Manager or licensed Texas professional engineer to conduct an energy audit. The audit must include recommendations for improving the building's energy efficiency. The audit must identify energy savings of at least 15% within the building. In addition, the minimum project cost is $100,000. Property owners are allowed to apply for incentives for up to three commercial buildings. Since this incentive program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the U.S. Department of Energy, additional provisions and reporting requirements apply. See the program web site for a complete list of eligible energy efficiency technologies and additional application details.