Building Improvements
Receive rebates and no-cost consulting services for energy and water-saving upgrades to your multifamily building.
Whether you have to replace outdated equipment, need to comply with energy codes, or simply want to take advantage of the latest, most efficient and money-saving technology, BayREN will help you plan and pay for improvements designed to save 10% or more of your building’s energy usage.
Protect your properties against utility volatility and save big on water and energy bills with technology designed for the 21st century.
Qualifying upgrades include:
- Heating & cooling systems
- Water heating systems
- Gas to electric conversions
- Lighting & appliances
- Weatherization and insulation
- Electrification measures
- Windows & more
A BayREN energy consultant will work with you to choose upgrades that are best suited to your priorities and your building characteristics.
Complete the Interest & Eligibility Form to get started.
Building improvements designed to save 10% or more of your building’s energy usage qualify for rebates that range from $500 to $5,000+ per unit. Additional funds are available for improvements that transition your property from natural gas to safer, more efficient and climate-friendly electricity. Use our eligibility tool to find out if your property qualifies for adders or multipliers.
| BASE REBATE | AMOUNT |
| Receive the base rebate for installing 2+ energy efficiency upgrades that save 10% or more of the building’s energy. | $500 per unit |
Earn additional rebates for Electrification and Geographic Adders.
| ELECTRIFICATION ADDERS | AMOUNT |
| In-unit Upgrades | |
| In-Unit Heat Pump Water Heater | $1,500/apt |
| In-Unit Heat Pump HVAC | $1,500/apt |
| In-Unit Electric Laundry Dryer | $250/apt |
| In-Unit Electric Cooking | $750/apt |
| Central System Upgrades | |
| Central Heat Pump Water Heater | $1,000/apt served (Property cap of $100,000. Program cap of $500,000) |
| Central Heat Pump HVAC | $1,000/apt served |
| Common Area Upgrades | |
| Common Area Heat Pump HVAC |
$1,000/equip. |
| Laundry/Common Area Heat Pump Water Heater | $1,000/equip. |
| Heat Pump Pool Heater | $1,500/pool |
| Electrical Panel Upgrades | |
| Subpanel Upgrade | $1,000/apt served |
| Central/common area panel upgrades | $5,000/property |
Properties located in high-priority zones that are most impacted by air pollution, extreme heat, and high housing costs qualify for bonus rebates. Your energy advisor will help you determine if your property qualifies.
| GEOGRAPHIC ADDERS | AMOUNT |
| Health Upgrades | |
| Select Upgrades that improve indoor air quality | $500/apt served |
| Resilience to Extreme Heat Upgrades | |
| Select upgrades that improve the property's resilience to extreme heat | $500/apt served |
| Housing Affordability Upgrades* | |
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Multiply ALL other program rebates by 1.5x-2x AND up to $500 reimbursable per unit for select in-unit appliances |
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*Only available to housing cost burdened properties built before 2010 with less than 50 units OR deed-restricted affordable properties |
Please note: Properties switching from propane/oil space or water heating to electric heat pump heating are not eligible for incentives.
All multifamily properties with five or more dwelling units in the nine county Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma) are eligible to apply.
Additional incentives are available for properties located in high-priority zones that are most impacted by air pollution, extreme heat, and high housing costs. Submit an interest form now to learn if your property is eligible for additional rebates
First priority is given to properties that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Contains less than 100 units
- Is deed-restricted or unsubsidized affordable housing
- Has a resident ownership structure such as an HOA or co-op
- Is located within a disadvantaged community (determined by the AB 1550 Low-Income Communities map)
Properties that do not meet these criteria, or are not sure, are still encouraged to fill out an interest form, as certain exceptions can be made based on property location and scope of work. Properties not served by PG&E, or properties in cities with municipal utilities (Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Alameda, and Healdsburg) may be ineligible or face project limitations.
If funding is still available after July 1st, the program will begin accepting all eligible properties on a first-come first-served basis.
Projects must be designed to reduce energy consumption by at least 10%. Both in-unit and common area upgrades are eligible.
Building upgrades that are already in progress or have been completed are not eligible for rebates.
Complete BayREN’s Interest & Eligibility Form to apply. A BayREN consultant will contact you within 5 business days to discuss next steps.
Funds are limited, properties will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Modernize your Property
Earn rebates when you complete upgrades that save energy and make the building safer and more comfortable for residents.
Qualifying improvements include:
- Heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Water heating systems
- Gas to electric conversions
- Lighting & appliances
- Weatherization and insulation
- Windows
- And more!
More rebates available for electrification upgrades that give you more value improve resident health and comfort.
Heat pump HVAC keeps apartments comfortable and quiet, and indoor air quality high. Both in-unit and central units qualify for rebates.
The latest in hot water heating takes natural gas out of the equation — for efficiency and seismic safety. In-unit and central units qualify, and so do heaters for pools! Dive in!
Get sizzling cash rebates on electric or induction cooktops — and take dangerous open flames out of the kitchen.
Heat pump dryers are easy to install, gentle on clothes and gentler on the environment. With BayREN rebates, they’re gentle on your wallet, too.
No-cost Consulting*
Work with a technical advisor who will discuss your priorities and help you plan the best combination of upgrades for your property. Services may include:
- In-person site visit and detailed energy and water usage analysis
- Review of recommended upgrade options and energy savings potential
- Referrals to contractors and other available incentive programs (including PG&E, MCE & more)
*Available to those pre-screened for eligibility. Participants should already have a preliminary scope of work in mind before meeting with an advisor.
Generous Rebates
Your BayREN program consultant will work with you to:
- Customize a package of improvements that are expected to save 10% or more of your whole building's energy use
- Calculate and apply for whole building rebates at $500 - 5,000+ per unit
You may:
- Choose your own contractors
- Choose in-unit and/or common area improvements
Access to Financing
Your BayREN consultant can present a customized list of financing options to help fund your energy efficiency projects. The service provides flexible financing options, which can include:
- Multiple lender options and financing products
- Competitive rates and terms
- Support with the application and closing process
- Project cash flow analysis
A variety of lenders & financing types are available for different project sizes and scopes.
Improve your property, decrease your utility bills and earn at least $500 - 5,000+ per unit in cash-back rebates.
Bay Area building owners are bringing their properties into the 21st century with equipment that saves money and reduces energy use.