New Construction & Major Renovation

Hawaii Energy is here to help guide you through creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient building.

This program supports efficiency rebates for:

  1. Commercial and multifamily new construction projects
  2. Commercial and multifamily major renovation projects

The best results and highest rebates occur when Hawaii Energy is at the table early on in the design process. This way we can work together to determine how an  energy model  can plan for energy-saving features in a building design or  on determine which specific systems, products, and equipment will drive down energy burden and maximize efficiency rebates.

For Questions

Contact our energy advisors:

Eileen Stewart
Honolulu County
Eileen.D.Lacaden@leidos.com
(808) 848-8576

Walter Enomoto
Maui County
enomotow@leidos.com
(808) 298-4269

Graceson Ghen
Hawaii County
graceson.ghen@leidos.com
(808) 895-6713

Am I Eligible?

This program applies if your project meets any of the following criteria:

  • It is a new commercial or multifamily facility.
  • It includes a major renovation of an existing commercial or multifamily facility.
  • There has been a major change in occupancy type.
  • It is a new addition to an existing facility.

How Much Will My Rebate Be?

Rebates vary by the size of the project, the number of units (for housing), and the level of energy savings achieved through system, appliance, and equipment efficiency. There are two pathways for  pursuing and calculating your rebate.

  1. The Energy Model Approach (EMA) uses an energy model to estimate energy savings compared with a baseline building during the design phase.
    1.  Commercial projects and market rate housing: up to $200,000 for energy savings ($0.18kWh saved) + up $10,000 toward the cost of an energy model ($210,00 incentive cap, efficiency measure must exceed energy code efficiency by 10%.
    1. Multifamily, affordable housing: There is no incentive no cap for this building stock, and savings are calculated at $0.30/kWh. To be eligible, efficiency measure must exceed energy code efficiency by 10%.
  • The Systems Approach (SA) calculates energy savings by system, such as lighting and air conditioning, during the construction phase.
    • Commercial projects and market rate housing: up to $150,000 for eligible, energy efficient systems. Various rates and methodologies apply, please see Rules & Requirements for more details.
    • Multifamily, affordable housing: There is no incentive cap for this building stock. Various rates and methodologies apply, including a 15% bonus. Please see Rules & Requirements for more details.

For full details on how rebates calculation methodology and rebate caps, please download the New Construction & Major Renovation Rules & Requirements.

How to Apply

The general rebate process for each approach is outlined and illustrated below. For complete details, please see the New Construction & Major Renovation Rules & Requirements.

Provide completed/signed Hawaii Energy Commercial Incentive Application and IRS Form W-9

  • Provide conceptual drawings
  • Provide energy model report and presentation
  • Complete project design, permitting, and construction
  • Provide as-built plans
  • Provide documentation (as-built plans, equipment specifications, and estimated project costs) to Hawaii Energy.

Work with an Energy Advisor to schedule inspection and provide additional documentation as needed.

Featured Story

Hale Kalele

From start to finish, Hale Kalele was a collaborative project that proved designing energy efficient buildings make sense from an environmental and economic standpoint. Thank you for your commitment to energy efficient projects, Kobayashi Group.

View Our Story

Resources

Commercial Rebate Application
Eligibility

For questions, please contact Eileen Stewart at Eileen.D.Lacaden@leidos.com or (808) 848-8576.