City of Lowell - BLEU Projects Program

 The City of Lowell BLEU Projects Program offers rebates and loans to commercial and multifamily properties located in the downtown Historic District for implementing energy efficient measures in their buildings. Eligible projects must achieve a 15% improved energy efficiency to qualify for rebate and loan. Chosen projects will receive a whole building energy analysis to determine the size of the project. Projects can receive a rebate of 1/3 of the project cost up to $250,000, a loan for 1/3 of the cost up to $250,000, as well the property owner matching the savings up to $250,000. Loans are provided through the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation (LFDC) at a 3% rate for up to 10 years. Project areas include:  Lighting Air sealing New boilers Insulation Various other energy efficient upgrades See program website for more information.  This Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.