Funding Sources

A funding opportunity may often be the initial driver that moves your project into the conceptual and design phase. Agencies such as HUD or the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) may award grants and financial support for projects that help encourage more widespread adoption of innovative technologies and energy-efficient practices. Often such awards may be tied to requirements to meet a higher standard of performance or include products that carry a particular designation—examples being ENERGY STAR, WaterSense, or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-Designated certifications. It is important to identify the program or grant requirements and include them in your key analysis from the beginning, because they will need to be addressed throughout the project.