NJ Cool

About this funding opportunity

Open in new Tab NJ COOL PROGRAM The application for NJ Cool is now closed. The Authority will notify status updates directly to any applicants who had submitted applications that are under review or pending on the waitlist.

The NJ Cool program is a $30 million pilot program launched by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to provide financial assistance to commercial, industrial, and institutional building owners and tenants undertaking retrofit construction projects that reduce operating greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings in State-designated Overburdened Community and Adjacent Community census blocks. Eligible project locations must fall within the blue or yellow shaded areas mapped on the Overburdened Communities \ NJ Environmental Justice Mapping, Assessment and Protection Tool (EJMAP) tool or within the municipalities of Newark, Edison, and Atlantic City.

The NJEDA will provide grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $1 million to reimburse applicants for eligible hard construction costs from projects that upgrade building heating and cooling systems to less polluting alternatives, as well as implement other energy efficiency measures or on-site renewables. This pilot is funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds allocated to NJEDA and will accelerate the adoption of more environmentally friendly building systems, technologies, and construction practices within New Jersey.

AMOUNT

Grant awards will cover 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum award of $1,000,000 per project (with a minimum award amount of $50,000 per project).

BENEFITS

Eligible building owners and tenants receive funding for retrofit projects that can:

A. Reduce operating greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change

B. Improve indoor and

outdoor air quality

C. Reduce energy costs

D. Improve Occupant Comfort

ELIGIBILITY

Existing commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings located in New Jersey designated Overburdened and Adjacent Community census blocks are eligible for the pilot. Eligible applicants may own or lease the building space that will be improved using the grant funding. If the space is leased, the Applicant must provide building owner approval for the project. ELIGIBILITY GRANT AWARD CONTRACTORS EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS APPLICATION PROCESS FEES COMPLETED PROJECTS

ELIGIBILITY

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicant

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: Commercial, industrial, or institutional building owner OR a commercial, industrial, or institutional tenant with landlord/building owner approval to complete the proposed project Have a valid New Jersey tax clearance certificate no older than 180 days at time of application approval Be in good standing with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Demonstrate proof of funding/financing for the estimated project costs plus 15% project contingency following grant award approval and before finalizing grant agreement Participants in the NJ Clean Energy New Construction Program (Gut Rehab) or Large Energy Users Program are not eligible to participate in the NJ Cool Program Pilot _Please note, religious affiliated entities are subject to additional review from the Attorney General’s Office._

Building

Buildings must meet the following eligibility requirements: Existing building located in: New Jersey Environmental Justice Law designated Overburdened Community (OBC) census block or formally designated Adjacent Community census block. See: Overburdened Communities \ NJ Environmental Justice Mapping, Assessment and Protection Tool (EJMAP) The municipality of Newark, Edison, or Atlantic City Meet building occupancy class Mercantile Group M, Assembly Group A-2, Business Group B per Chapter 3 of the New Jersey Building Code. OR Meet one of the following property classes as defined by NJAC 18:12-22:

Class 4A: Commercial…

Topic areas: Energy and Environment, Circular Economy and Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing and Industry, Smart Cities, Public Policy and Governance.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

NJ Cool is administered by New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), listed via New Jersey Economic Development Authority.