Q & A Jan 9.pdf

Clean Buildings Compliance Support

Request for Proposal - RFP NO. 95702-01

Questions and Answers

Contents General Questions

Grouped Buildings

Period of Performance

Public vs Private

Clean Building Performance Grants

Clean Buildings Performance Grants funded Energy Audits

220,000 Sq Ft Funding Limit Questions for Clean Buildings Performance Grants

Energy Audits for Public Buildings Grants

Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

Benefit Cost Ration Questions for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

EMP and O&M for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

Marginal Costs for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

State Project Improvement Grants

General Questions

1. What is the due date for this RFA?

a. March 4th, 2026 3:00 p.m. PST

2. Should Exhibit C reflect the ownership structure of the applicant (building owner) or can it reflect the ownership structure of the subcontractors the applicant hires?

a. Exhibit C must reflect the ownership structure of the applicant.

3. Should organizations with multiple buildings at different locations and/or multiple projects submit multiple or a single application to this RFA?

a. Applicants should submit a single application and financial request with all buildings included, which may include requests from multiple funding programs. Section 1.3 describes the project eligibility for each funding program and should be read carefully before submission.

4. For 'professional cost estimates' are there any specific criteria that the cost estimator needs to meet or cost estimating procedure that is required?

a. Please reference Annex X in the Clean Buildings Performance Standards for a list of all costs that need to be captured in the professional cost estimates.

5. 1.4.4 lists two different square footage criteria. Is 200,000 or 220,000 SF the cutoff?

a. 220,000 sq. ft. This has been fixed in the most recent RFA version.

6. Is there a list of projects funded by the Washington State Housing Trust?

b. Please find a list of awarded projects here: Funding Opportunities for MFR webpage.

Under ‘past funding details and awards’, you can see 2024 HTF awarded projects, 2024 HOME/NHTF awarded projects, as well as lists of other award types and from previous years

7. Our state agency has two Tier 2 buildings. Are we able to apply for this grant to help with our benchmarking and O&M plan for these buildings?

c. This RFA offers funding for Tier 2 multifamily covered buildings financed by the Washington State Housing Trust pursuing compliance with the CBPS buildings to benchmark and develop O&M plans. For other Tier 2 buildings seeking help with benchmarking and O&M plans we recommend taking a look at the Tier 2 early adopter incentive program to help fund these activities: Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Program – Washington State Department of Commerce

8. For the Clean Buildings Performance Grants and Energy Efficient Retrofits Grants, I have the following questions:

- How much do ground-source/geothermal heat pumps generally receive in funding?

- How are funding amounts for these grants calculated?

- Will the funding amount change if the entity claims a federal energy tax credit on a project? (i.e., Investment Tax Credit for ground-source heat pumps)

a. Geothermal heat pumps are eligible for application through Energy Efficient Retrofit Grants. The amount is determined by the applicant and their estimates. Applicants must include any incentives or grants into the final budget request. There is space in the budget template in Exhibit B to include additional grants and incentives which must be subtracted from project costs. Final budget request must not exceed the total cost of the project.

b. Funding for capital projects is not available from Clean Buildings Performance Grants for the 25-27 biennium.

9. If a building owner gets funds from the cities for completion of the work, and applies for commerce funding, is there a way for that reimbursement to go back to the city from commerce?

a. No. COMMERCE will pay the contractual grantee upon acceptance of deliverables or services provided and receipt of properly completed invoices.

b. Applicants must include any incentives or grants into the final budget request.

There is space in the budget template in Exhibit B to include additional grants and https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.commerce.wa.gov%2Fmultifamily-rental-housing%2Fmultifamily-funding%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCBPSGrants%40commerce.wa.gov%7C8a7028b4c56b4346adfb08de38d9f7ad%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C639010705972010148%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FMuxSZlEpkUBlLCoO4QFsuyZ7mNoRidngJSifcPT6YQ%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdeptofcommerce.app.box.com%2Fs%2Fwnhma6tp5sm7hpr24z1q3afckt75a06d&data=05%7C02%7CCBPSGrants%40commerce.wa.gov%7C8a7028b4c56b4346adfb08de38d9f7ad%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C639010705972039224%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cVSzCbU7Kwr1G1We7VuLMfBcR1lJ%2FrUIy0azAZu615g%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdeptofcommerce.app.box.com%2Fs%2Fwoiilyd2ddevxdtlrl7bl8h53czlhk9o&data=05%7C02%7CCBPSGrants%40commerce.wa.gov%7C8a7028b4c56b4346adfb08de38d9f7ad%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C639010705972058506%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gVSNKjk8AtQRgEYBGBAEIKjgR%2BACB7xNs4bw57uc8gk%3D&reserved=0 https://www.commerce.wa.gov/multifamily-rental-housing/htf/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/cbps/cbps-grants-incentives/cbps-tier2-early-adopter-incentive/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/cbps/cbps-grants-incentives/cbps-tier2-early-adopter-incentive/ incentives which must be subtracted from project costs. Final budget request must not exceed the total cost of the project.

10. Is there an opportunity for a partnership between the Cities and Commerce to match funding, or collaborate on funding opportunities?

a. Yes, Commerce encourages partnerships with cities and other entities to fund projects. Applicants must include any incentives or grants into the final budget request. There is space in the budget template in Exhibit B to include additional grants and incentives which must be subtracted from project costs. Final budget request must not exceed the total cost of the project.

b. Contractual agreements will be with the applicant.

11. Are State agencies eligible for all 4 categories?

a. Yes. However, project eligibility varies by funding opportunity, applicants should carefully read Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the RFA before applying. Eligibility is based on the building's status at the time of application and cannot be based on planned activities.

12. If we have an open CBPG grant, can we apply for this opportunity?

a. Yes, assuming the program eligibility and qualifications outlined in section 1.3 are met.

13. As a Tier 2 facility (public hospital/critical access hospital) trying to update our HVAC and windows for energy efficiency purposes, is there a specific path to pursue to enhance our chances of success. Also, if there is a correlation between the parameters for this grant application and the Clean Building Standards compliance standards for 2027, is there a good point of contact for our staff to become more acquainted with the process?

a. Compliance requirements for Tier 2 buildings can be found at CBPS Tier 2 compliance – Washington State Department of Commerce.

b. For more information on compliance, you can submit a support ticket to our tech team:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=f46501aa520e4f0c89cba4c063fbb 07f

14. May community colleges apply independently as a state agency, or must they use the CTC as their state agency?

a. Community colleges can apply independently for funding.

15. For the Clean Buildings Performance Grants and Energy Efficient Retrofits Grants, is there a public list of past awardees where one could see how much funding specific projects received?

a. The most recent awards made by the Energy Efficiency Retrofits https://www.commerce.wa.gov/energy-incentives/energy-efficiency-grant-program/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/cbps/tier-2-compliance/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/cbps/tier-2-compliance/ https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=f46501aa520e4f0c89cba4c063fbb07f https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=f46501aa520e4f0c89cba4c063fbb07f https://www.commerce.wa.gov/energy-incentives/energy-efficiency-grant-program/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/energy-incentives/energy-efficiency-grant-program/

b. The parameters for this current Clean Buildings Performance Grant RFA in the 2025-2027 biennium are different than in the previous cycle. 2023-2025 biennium CBPG awards can be found here: Commerce awards $55.5 million to help building owners meet Clean Building Performance Standards – Washington State Department of Commerce

16. Does “The amount is determined by the applicant and their estimates.” essentially mean that an applicant can request up to any amount?

a. Yes

17. What is the purpose of the "Contributor" section of the grant application is (i.e. why does

Commerce ask for it)?

a. This question is included to identify if applicants are working with a consulting firm and/or collaborating with other organizations.

18. We are a private Tier 2 organization with 2 buildings. We need funding for capital improvement to enhance energy efficiency. What grant should we apply to?

a. This RFA does not support retrofit funding for privately owned buildings.

b. Additional funding opportunities can be found at:

a. Contracting with Commerce – Washington State Department of Commerce

b. FundHubWA - Your gateway to grants and incentives

19. Are all of these grants available to buildings pursuing the Investment Criteria Pathway or only the EUIt pathway to compliance?

a. Grants from Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings or State Project Improvement

Grants can assist buildings seeking compliance via Investment Criteria Pathway, EUIt pathway, and other compliance pathways adopted by rule.

20. Just confirm, are public buildings under 20,000 sqft eligible for the Energy Retrofit Grant?

a. No

21. Do grant managers attend Clean Buildings office hours? and if so, would it be appropriate for me to use this format to share two possible projects that I am considering for submission to seek clarity on the correct grant program to apply for and clarify how "local and other state matching funds should be treated in the submissions."

a. Questions about the RFA will not be answered at the Clean Buildings Office Hours.

All questions must be submitted to cbpsgrants@commerce.wa.gov

22. What reporting requirements does Commerce require for this RFA? Are quarterly reports required for any of the (4) grants covered by this program? Or does the deliverable based reimbursement process negate any need for ongoing/quarterly reporting?

a. Reporting requirements, including quarterly reporting, will be addressed in the 2nd preproposal conference on January 28th, 2026.

https://www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-awards-55-5-million-to-help-building-owners-meet-clean-building-performance-standards/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-awards-55-5-million-to-help-building-owners-meet-clean-building-performance-standards/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-awards-55-5-million-to-help-building-owners-meet-clean-building-performance-standards/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/contracting/ https://fundhub.wa.gov/ mailto:cbpsgrants@commerce.wa.gov

23. Will partial amounts be awarded? This could be a building owner who applies for multiple portions of the grant and only receives one award or one who applies for a large amount and only receives some of the requested amount. Will either of those scenarios occur?

a. Yes, applications will be scored by individual fund source requested. Thus, an applicant with buildings at different stages of eligibility could apply for funding from different sources and could potentially receive funding from one programmatic area and not another.

b. It is unlikely a single building will be eligible for multiple funding sources.

c. Under rare circumstances, budget requests may be partially met based on limited funds remaining.

24. Are all 4 opportunities reimbursement? As in building owners need to front the cost and complete the work then submit for reimbursement.

a. Yes.

25. Is there any opportunity for a bulk application if the city can pool together multiple building owners looking to submit for funding?

a. Only building owners may apply to this RFA.

26. Does the use of Department of Enterprise Services, Energy Service Companies (ESCO) fulfill the consultant/contractor selection requirements in the grant?

a. Yes. For energy audits, all companies that meet the qualifications of a Qualified Energy Auditor according to the Clean Building Performance Standard meet the qualifications. Other aspects of this RFA do not specify consultant/contractor selection requirements.

Grouped Buildings

27. Can grouped buildings (district energy systems, HB 1390 compliance pathway, campuses) apply for funding though this RFA?

a. Yes, but applications must be on the building level. This means all RFA application requirements must be submitted on a building level to be considered responsive to this RFA. Building square footage (excluding parking garage) determines building Tier for the purposes of this RFA. Exception: O & M and EMP development can be at grouped building level.

Period of Performance

28. Can a grant/incentive recipient incur costs prior to the contract execution date? We have many clients waiting on grant funding, and by the time contracts are executed the biennium will be halfway over.

d. Costs incurred prior to award approval are not eligible for reimbursement except for Energy Audits for Public Buildings. For more details please see section 1.5 of the

RFA.

Public vs Private

29. Are buildings owned by public housing authorities, museums, non-profits and other public service buildings considered "Publicly Owned"?

a. It all depends on the ownership structure of the building. Publicly owned is defined as: A property that is owned by a state or local government, including but not limited to municipalities, port and hospital districts, public higher education institutions, school districts, federally recognized Tribal governments and state agencies. See this state government webpage for a list of qualifying Washington state agencies:

https://wa.gov/agency

Clean Building Performance Grants

30. For Clean Building Performance Standards will alternative energy measures that support bringing a Tier 1 building into compliance with CBPS be considered for grant funding? What about for Tier 2 buildings that do not currently have EUI targets?

a. Clean Building Performance Grant funding is only available for publicly and privately owned Tier 1 covered buildings and certain Tier 2 multifamily covered buildings. So a publicly owned Tier 2 covered building would not be eligible for funding at this time. Project eligibility varies by funding program. Project eligibility is described in Section 1.3 of the RFA.

31. What is the selection criteria for the Clean Buildings Performance Grants? Do you have to be over your EUIt?

b. For the audit portion under the performance grant funding, only buildings:

i. above their EUIt or

ii. do not have an EUIt or

iii. do not have the ability to measure EUI are eligible.

iv. For the rest of the funding available for this grant, EUI does not play a role in eligibility.

32. What will the priority be for CBPG between public and private?

c. No priority will be given.

33. Clean Building Performance Grants for the 25-27 biennium cannot cover any project costs -retrofit or new construction?

a. Correct. CBPG funds are only available for:

a. Benchmarking

b. Energy Management Plan (EMP)

c. Operations and maintenance plans (O&M)

d. Energy audits.

Clean Buildings Performance Grants funded Energy Audits https://wa.gov/agency

34. For Clean Buildings Performance Grants, can a private building owner receive grant funding for an energy audit (and Forms D and F if applicable)? The following statement says that audits may be funded. How would a private building owner of a Tier 1 building know if they are eligible? “Additionally, privately owned Tier 1 covered buildings and certain Tier 2 multifamily covered buildings financed by the Washington State Housing Trust may be eligible to receive funds for energy audits.”

a. Tier 1 private buildings are eligible for this funding if they meet this stipulation and all other grant requirements: Section 1.3.1: "Only buildings above their EUIt or that does not have an EUIt or that does not have the ability to measure EUI is eligible to apply for an energy audit".

35. If private owners can receive funding for energy audits, is that funding limited to $0.50/SF?

b. See amended RFA section 1.4.1: Energy Audit funding is allocated at a maximum payment of $0.50 per square foot of gross floor area, excluding parking areas.

i. Additional funding per square foot may be given for buildings with documentation evidencing need

ii. Applicants should provide supporting documentation in Exhibit B of this

RFA

220,000 Sq Ft Funding Limit Questions for Clean Buildings Performance Grants

36. Is the $125,000 maximum grant request amount for Clean Building Performance Grants per building, per project (multiple buildings) or per agency?

c. 1.4.1: Applications are limited to $125,000 for projects with less than 220,000 gross square feet of combined building space

i. Additional funding may be awarded to projects involving more than 220,000 gross square feet of combined building space or located in small towns or cities with populations less than 5,000

37. What if a campus with over 220,000 square feet of building space applies? Can they exceed the $125,000 limit? Assume no single building exceeds 220,000 square feet

d. Per section 1.4.1 - Additional funding may be awarded to projects involving more than 220,000 gross square feet of combined building space.

38. Is the following correct for CBPG Grants? A building owner owns (2) buildings that are

100,000 SF each. Both buildings do not meet the EUIt so audits are required for both buildings. The maximum amount of the grant award in this case is $125,000 for this owner since total square footage of the project is less than 220,000.

a. Yes, this is correct.

39. Is the following correct for CBPG Grants? A building owner owns (10) buildings that are 100,000 SF each. All 10 buildings do not meet the EUIt so audits are required for each building. The maximum amount of the grant award in this case is not limited to $125,000 for this owner since total square footage of the project is more than 220,000.

a. Yes, this is correct.

Energy Audits for Public Buildings Grants

40. Can a building owner apply for an audit incentive well before the due date of March, 2026 with the intent of receiving an incentive award prior to May, 2026? It might make sense for this program to be first-come, first-serve to reward those owners who are proactive in complying with the CBPS.

a. Eligible buildings must submit an application by March 4, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by April 23, 2026 of award approval. Costs incurred prior to award approval are not eligible for reimbursement. Amended: Energy Audits for Public Buildings will pay for costs incurred on or after July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

41. For the Energy Audits for Public Buildings requirements, can you confirm that using the

Qualified Energy Auditor list is not a requirement but rather a suggestion or helpful resource?

a. The Qualified Energy Auditor List is an optional tool and not required to be used.

The energy auditor selected to do the work must meet the definition of Qualified Energy Auditor within the CBPS.

42. For the Energy Audits for Public Buildings grant auditor guarantee of performance within

75% of audit results- how is this guarantee enforced?

a. The RFA requires that “The auditor guarantees energy savings achieved will be at least 75% of estimates in the audit.”

b. Commerce will provide a template for the energy auditor to attest the recommended package of EEMs will achieve at least 75% of estimated energy savings.

43. Is there a requirement for the energy audits, how far above your EUIt your building has to be?

a. There isn't a specific threshold for how much over the EUIt you have to be, only that the building is over the applicable building target.

44. If an investment grade audit (IGA) is already underway, is it eligible for grant funding if it's not yet completed?

a. Energy Audits for Public Buildings will pay for costs incurred on or after July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. For all other funding sources, Commerce will only reimburse for costs incurred during the period of performance.

45. Do we need to have an approved EMP and O+M before applying for funding for an energy audit?

a. No

46. Are streetlights or exterior lighting systems eligible for the Energy Audit Grant if they are not connected to a Tier 1 building, or must all audit scopes be building-based?

a. No, only Tier 1 or Tier 2 buildings are eligible for this RFA.

Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

47. Do we need to submit an Energy Audit for the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants? What level of audit?

b. Yes, you do need to attach an Energy Audit to an application seeking funding from the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants. This audit can be an ASHREA level 1, level 2, or targeted level 2 energy audit.

48. Do we need to have an approved O+M plan, approved EMP, and approved ASHRAE audit prior to qualifying for any future retrofitting grants from commerce?

a. Commerce will not require an applicant to submit an O&M and EMP as part of the application requirements. An ASHRAE audit is required.

49. Can a Tier 2 building qualify for an Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grant, even though it is not required to meet an energy target?

a. If a building is exempt from compliance, it will not be eligible for funding. This RFA only supports funding to aid in CBPS compliance.

b. Tier 2 buildings are eligible for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grant funding.

50. For the energy retrofit for public buildings grant, my understanding is that only 10% of that funding is going to Tier 2 buildings that are not in towns under 5,000 people. Should we expect later rounds of funding that will have more availability of funding for Tier 2 buildings?

c. At least 20% of funding will given to projects located in small towns/cities under 5,000. Commerce cannot determine future funding opportunities beyond those in the current RFA for this biennium.

51. For Energy Efficiency Retrofits, does the audit have to be submitted with the application?

What needs to be submitted - is it a Form D?

d. Yes, submission of the audit is required. Applicants must submit an energy audit in accordance with Section 8 of the CBPS conducted no earlier than five years prior to the building’s required CBPS compliance date. This means applicants must submit the Audit Report.

52. What cost effectiveness metric will be used for scoring/comparing Energy Efficiency Retrofit grants? Simple payback? Savings-to-Investment Ratio?

a. Benefit-Cost Ratio is the cost-effectiveness metric that will be used for this program.

53. We have some buildings that have received an IGA through an ESCO project but have not started construction. Can these projects apply for the retrofit grants? Will construction need to be delayed to be eligible?

https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=194-50-080&pdf=true

a. Commerce can only be reimbursed for costs incurred during the period of performance which is defined in section 1.5 of the RFA.

54. Benchmarking must already be in place for Energy Retrofit Grant, correct?

a. Benchmarking is a requirement to be eligible for audit and retrofit funding.

55. For the Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings - I'm still not clear whether an alternative energy measure (such as solar + BESS) to reduce energy consumption would be considered for grant funding. The language says "including but not limited to..."

a. Any energy retrofit to existing facilities and related projects that result in energy and operational savings are eligible. This is as long as all aspects of the project are directly related to the proposed primary improvement measure. Further, please review section 1.3.3 and Exhibit B for other requirements.

56. For the Energy Retrofits grant, some previous Commerce solicitations have excluded LED lighting upgrades from eligible projects. Will there be the same exclusion in this RFA?

a. No, the same exclusion does not apply. LED lighting upgrades are eligible.

57. Does the LCCA use state average rates?

a. Utility rates should be based on actual utility bills.

58. We are reviewing the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants. We are considering updating building signage and want to confirm whether this could qualify under the grant.

Specifically, the signs would involve LED lighting upgrades or digital displays designed to reduce energy use.

a. Yes, any building energy use upgrade will be considered.

59. For retrofit projects, based on the award date provided in the grant, Tier 1A facilities will not be able to implement the project and have the 12 months of utility data to apply for compliance (metered or investment criteria). Will getting this grant confirm that there will be an extension awarded to the awardees? Most Tier 1B facilities would likely be in a similar position.

a. No. Being awarded a grant under this program is separate from receiving an extension approval for Compliance.

Benefit Cost Ration Questions for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

60. Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings: We must show a BCR > 1.0. Can you define what a “benefit” is?

Are the following benefits?

i. Energy savings over the life of the proposed equipment

1. Can we include utility cost escalations?

ii. Maintenance savings over the life of the proposed equipment

1. Can we include maintenance cost escalations?

iii. Deferred capital costs

1. i.e. replacing a piece of equipment now is less expensive than replacing it in 5 years.

iv. Cost of capital if a project is financed

v. Utility rebates

vi. Lost revenue due to failing equipment

vii. Increased occupant productivity and/or revenue generation

viii. Rental equipment costs in the event of failure

ix. Social cost of carbon

a. Benefits for this program are 1) energy cost savings over life of project, and 2) maintenance cost savings. All other listed items are not considered benefits for this program (this includes cost escalations).

61. Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings: We must show a BCR > 1.0. Can you define what

“cost” is?

Does cost include the following?

x. Equipment

xi. Labor

xii. Design

xiii. Supervision/Management

xiv. Sales tax

xv. DES fee (if appropriate)

xvi. M&V fee (if appropriate)

a. For the definition of cost please Refer to x3.1.1 in Normative Annex X of the CBPS

(include deducting utility rebates). Of the list above all are considered costs with the exception of M&V. A typical year of M&V would extend beyond the performance period and is not an allowed expense should you choose to attach that to your project.

62. In addition to the BCR, is there a simple payback requirement for projects?

e. For Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants there are no other simple payback requirements.

63. Checking that your metric for scoring for retrofits is KBTU saved per year per $ of grant award or is it annual dollar value of savings vs grant amount (or in either case is total cost)?

a. The benefit cost ratio evaluation should be project energy and maintenance cost savings over the lifetime of the project divided by the total implemented cost of the project. This isn't a scoring metric to compare applications, but a requirement to be considered for responsiveness, i.e. the BCR must be 1.0 or greater.

EMP and O&M for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

64. This statement appears to make having a completed EMP and O&M a prerequisite to applying for the Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings grant. Is that the case? “Evidence of an O&M and EMP in accordance with the CBPS”. Could a building owner apply for the Clean https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=194-50-140&pdf=true

Buildings Performance Grant in order to fund EMP and O&M development at the same time as applying for the Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings grant?

f. Please see updated section 1.3.3 Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings. Minimum qualifications of the project include, “Evidence of an O&M and EMP in accordance with the CBPS.” Commerce is removing the requirements for O&M and EMP as part of the application. Please see updated section 1.3.3.

Marginal Costs for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants

65. Will Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants pay for marginal costs for above standard requirements? Similarly, can the subject of an EERG grant application be the incremental cost of going beyond code?

a. Yes, the scope of work for an Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grant can pay for marginal costs above standard requirements.

State Project Improvement Grants

66. We have a unique situation with one of our capital projects and are wondering if we’d qualify to apply for the State Project Improvement (SPI) Grant? I tried to keep this as short as possible but let me know if you need more info. We have two funding allocations to recondition/replace campus chillers, but the funds were only enough to cover one. We combined the funds to address the higher-priority chiller; however, the work on the other chiller is still needed. We’ve since learned that the cost to recondition the chiller is nearly comparable to replacing it with a smaller chiller, particularly since it now serves significantly less square footage than it did previously. A smaller unit would also operate more efficiently given the area it serves. Additional State Board funding is anticipated, which—when combined with available PUD incentives—would cover a significant portion of the chiller replacement rather than reconditioning. Given these changes, would this project qualify for the State Project Improvement Grant with the hope that it could help fill the funding gap?

a. Yes. SPI requires a direct comparison between the original and proposed project to demonstrate greater energy efficiency and/or conservation. Funding is available for state agencies to repair or replace existing building systems. See section 1.3.4.

State Project Improvement Grants