Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

On March 26th, 2009, the Obama Administration announced $3.2 billion in funding for local energy efficiency improvements under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The funding will support energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements. Other activities eligible for use of grant funds include transportation programs that conserve energy, projects to reduce and capture methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, renewable energy installations on government buildings, energy efficient traffic signals and street lights, deployment of Combined Heat and Power and district heating and cooling systems, and others. Under the EECBG Program, the City of Indianapolis is eligible to receive $8,032,000 in non-competitive, formula grant funding. The City's application for these funds is due June 25th, 2009. In preparation for this deadline, the City is proposing the following projects which comply with the funding guidelines provided in the funding announcement:

  • Bike Lanes-funding of future segments of the SustainIndy BikeWays Plan.
  • Building Retrofits-energy retrofits of city-owned and operated facilities, including the City County Building.
  • Renewable Energy Generation- potential projects include installation of solar and wind powered street lights, wind turbines and solar panels at city facilities.
  • Green Building Fund-establishment of a no interest loan program for qualified green projects in the private sector, including non-profits.
  • LED Traffic Signals-conversion of the City's remaining conventional traffic signals to energy efficient LED technology.
  • Green Roofs-installation of green roofs at City facilities

From May 18th-28th, the Office of Sustainability accepted public comments on proposed project ideas for use of the EECBG funds. We received over 100 comments on the proposed project ideas and will use this input as we move forward with the grant application due June 25th. 

Public Comments on EECBG Funds Proposal  

To learn more about the EECBG Program and to view the funding announcement, click here.