Grants worth $1.9M are currently available for energy efficient improvements in privately owned buildings in the Woodward corridor through a program called SmartBulidings Detroit. It's funded by $10 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Economic Development Corporation of the CIty of Detroit (EDC) is accepting applications for grants and loans totaling $100,000 for eligible energy-saving projects. The program area extends from the Detroit River to Seward, between the Lodge Freeway and I-75.
In general, any improvements suggested in an assessment are eligible for grant money: from geothermal systems and solar panels to insulation, glass replacement, and lighting systems. The funds are limited to 40 percent of total eligible project costs and applicants must leverage grant funds 5:1 with money from other sources.
"SmartBuildings Detroit is encouraging businesses to invest in energy saving updates to their properties," says Scott Veldhuis, SmartBuildings Program Manager. "We are offering a combination of grants and loans to eligible businesses, and we are also expecting them to make substantial financial commitments themselves, which should pay off in energy savings over the long term."
More information about the SmartBuildings Detroit Program and how to apply for a grant or Green Fund loan are posted
here.
Source: Scott Veldhuis, SmartBuildings Detroit
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
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