How We're Using Energy Credits to Reach Near-Net-Zero

Our goal to achieve near-net-zero involves more than an innovative design and purchasing sustainable materials. We also want to prove that this goal makes economic sense, so we're participating in an incentivized energy efficiency program to help us achieve this. Last year, we got accepted to ComEd's Commercial, Industrial, and Public Sector New Construction Program, which provides financial incentives and technical support to help businesses exceed energy standards.

The ComEd New Construction program supports projects during their early design phases to maximize energy savings and ensure long-term cost efficiency. We believe this program has helped us get to where we are now (breaking ground in a couple of months), and we'd like to share more information on how it works and what our experience has been like working with the program, as well as some advice for those considering the same route.

Why ComEd's Program?

ComEd's program is designed to align with the Illinois Energy Conservation Code while encouraging participants to exceed these requirements. Here's why we chose this program:

Focus on sustainability: The program's holistic approach to energy conservation matches our commitment to sustainability.
No-cost expert consulting: Access to technical experts at no additional cost ensures informed decisions for energy-efficient design.
Financial incentives: From $0.07/kWh saved for electricity to $0.35/therm saved for gas, the financial rewards support exceeding code requirements.
Eligibility: Our project fulfilled the following requirements: the project will be over 5,000 sq. ft., is located within ComEd's service area, and was in the early design phase (before permits and equipment bids).

Best Practices vs. Performance Path

ComEd offers two pathways tailored to different project needs:

"Best Practices" path: A prescriptive approach ideal for specific building types like multifamily, offices, and warehouses. This path provides per-square-foot incentives for predefined energy efficiency measures. Design teams can also earn incentives for submitting accurate program design workbooks.
"Performance" path: A custom, hands-on approach for all building types. Technical experts use whole-building energy modeling to recommend strategies that maximize energy savings. Incentives include $0.07/kWh and $0.35/therm saved, plus additional rewards for high-performance certification or electric building compliance.

Our project opted for the Performance Path, allowing for tailored recommendations and energy modeling specific to our facility's needs. With this path, we'll have the flexibility to implement the most impactful energy conservation measures.

Incentives and Financial Benefits

ComEd's program offers:

Energy savings incentives: We will receive financial rewards for reducing electricity and gas usage. For example, achieving high-performance certification earns an extra $5,000, while meeting Electric Building requirements can yield an additional $10,000.
Design team incentives: Includes $5,000 plus 5% of the owner's incentive for energy modeling and documentation.
Long-term savings: We're focused on achieving long-term flexibility and savings. Beyond one-time incentives, these measures reduce operational costs and contribute to a more resilient, energy-efficient facility.

Our Experience with the Program

While the ComEd program offers significant value, our journey hasn’t been without challenges. During the initial consultation, we received estimated energy savings and incentives that didn’t align with our expectations or project goals. After reviewing these figures, we worked closely with their team to refine the energy model and recalculate the incentives. This process has been a learning experience, and we encourage others to keep these tips in mind:

Verify the numbers early: Initial estimates may be overly optimistic or inaccurate depending on the information provided. Be prepared to revisit and refine calculations.
Engage your own design team: While ComEd’s experts are valuable, having your own team review models can add an extra layer of scrutiny and ensure alignment with your goals.
Allow time for adjustments: Programs like this require ongoing communication and flexibility as your design evolves.

Work in Progress

We look forward to sharing more real-life data about how this partnership helped us advance our near-net-zero goals and how these goals make economic sense. We encourage other businesses to explore holistic energy strategies and leverage programs like ComEd's to make sustainable buildings achievable and would love to hear from others about their own journeys.