Energy-efficient buildings use less energy and cost less to operate

Our Commercial New Construction (CNC) program provides free energy design assistance and financial incentives to help offset the cost of implementing energy-efficient strategies. The program is available to Iowa businesses that have new construction, additions or renovation projects not yet in the design phase.

submit application form

See the Commercial New Construction program process in action..pdf

Customized energy model

Our customized energy model simulates energy use for your facility, demonstrating which strategies have the greatest impact and which are the most cost effective. The building owner and design team then select strategies to implement, assisted by an energy design consultant.

Systems available for energy modeling include:

  • Daylight controls.
  • Envelope systems.
  • Heating and cooling.
  • Lighting controls and design.
  • Load-responsive equipment.
  • Outside air control systems.
  • Window layouts.

Construction rebates

We pay construction rebates to the building owner to reduce the initial cost of energy-saving strategies. We will verify the building owner implements the strategy. Rebates are based on the electric savings modeled. The more energy you save, the more money you can earn.

Customer rebates

Electric customer rebate range

The range is six cents per kilowatt-hour for 5% energy savings up to 17 cents per kilowatt-hour for 40% energy savings above the Iowa Energy Code.

Design team incentives

We pay design team incentives to the building designer or architect to help offset the cost of program participation.

Multifamily

Multifamily is defined as more than three units in one building shell, three stories or less, located on one lot. Multifamily new construction or major renovation projects with commercial and residential mixed usage are now eligible to participate in the Commercial New Construction program, subject to screening and approval.

Additional information

All funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to budget restrictions.

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