Sustainable Development Incentives

Development incentives for projects that advance the goals of the Sustainable Development Policy are summarized below.

Chicago PACE
Provides 100% financing of eligible project costs at a fixed, low-cost, long-term rate. Eligible costs include energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy infrastructure deployed in new or existing commercial buildings. Program financing is repaid through the owner’s property tax bill. Most commercial property types are eligible, including retail, office, hotel and multifamily buildings.

Chicago Solar Express
Provides reduced fees and permitting and zoning assistance to facilitate rooftop solar installations.

ComED Energy Efficiency Program
Provides financial incentives for multifamily energy conservation measures, including all-electric initiatives. Projects must include income-eligible units reserved for households at or below 80 percent of the area median income.

Federal Investment Credits (48, 48E)
Offers tax credits for investments in eligible renewable energy projects and facilities that generate clean electricity and energy storage.

Federal IRS Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction (179D)
Offers commercial property tax deductions for energy-efficiency improvements involving interior lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and building envelopes.

Federal New Energy Efficient Home Credit (45L)
Offers tax credits ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per residential unit for EPA Energy Star-certified homes, including multifamily housing.

Federal Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program
Provides flexible, custom debt financing solutions; also enables multiple interrelated projects across a portfolio of buildings in one application.

Illinois Energy Efficiency Small Business & Multi-Family Loan Program
Offers loans from $500 to $150,000 to help pay for gas and electric utility improvements. Eligible property types include commercial, multifamily and mixed-use.

Retrofit Chicago Multi-Family Residential Partnership
Provides free energy assessments and assistance with energy efficiency projects. Retrofits for most building types can include weatherization, smart thermostats, lighting, appliance replacements, and HVAC upgrades.