There are many important reasons to incorporate energy efficiency measures into the design and construction of new buildings: it helps to lower your operational costs, improves occupant comfort and productivity, meets local and regional energy code, and it creates more opportunities to market buildings based on environmental sustainability.
Our team of experts provides complimentary assistance to help you optimize building systems for both efficiency and high performance. And, we'll help you pay for qualified high-efficiency systems and equipment with a variety of financial incentives.
New Construction Energy Design Assistance
The Energy Design Assistance Program offers customers in Seattle City Light‘s service area a free whole-building energy analysis and energy conservation funding for new construction. The program is operated by Willdan and funded by Seattle City Light.
For questions, contact Willdan at SCLNewConstruction@willdan.com or call (206) 216-3405.
Download the Energy Design Assistance flyer.
Find additional energy efficiency programs for existing buildings.
- A free whole-building energy model that estimates energy savings and funding for specific energy efficiency design strategies.
- Meetings between Willdan and the design team to select a group of high efficiency options best suited to the project.
- Attractive financial assistance for savings over the energy code.
- Market Rate properties receive $0.45/kWh incentive for energy saved.
- Affordable Housing properties receive $0.68/kWh for energy saved.
- Production of a building that will save energy for many years of operation.
To qualify for City Light’s Energy Design Assistance (EDA) Program a project must:
- Be located within City Light’s electric service area
- Be a commercial, industrial, or multifamily property
- Be built to efficiency levels that exceed the energy code under which the project is permitted
- Enroll in the EDA program before completion of the 100% design construction documents
- Have a signed contract with City Light at least three months prior to the temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO)
The energy consultant will create virtual versions of your building to help determine which bundle of energy efficiency strategies makes the most sense for your project.
| Efficient | High Performance | Superior Performance | |
| CO2e Intensity (lbs/ft2/yr) | 7.1 | 6.8 | 6.7 |
| Energy Cost Savings (%) | $9,176 (16%) | $10,652 (15%) | $11,677 (17%) |
| Projected Incentives | $56,722 | $65,842 | $72,183 |
| Payback with Incentives | 9.8 | 9.1 | 10.7 |
| Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft2/yr) | 36 | 32.2 | 29.4 |
Enrollment
To get started fill out the online application.
Preliminary Analysis
Meet with Willdan to learn more about the program, share project information, and discuss goals. You’ll receive a whole-building energy analysis with multiple energy conservation strategy bundles.
Final Analysis
Review Willdan’s analysis and select the set of measures for installation and City Light funding. Once you choose a bundle, you’ll receive a participation agreement to sign, which outlines the incentive amount and project requirements for payment.
Verification
After construction is complete, Willdan will confirm that your project includes the selected energy conservation strategies and meets all requirements outlined in the funding agreement.
Incentives
Receive a final report detailing any adjustments to the funding amount and savings based on as-built conditions. City Light will issue payment for the strategies implemented into your project.
Requirements and Standards for New Electric Service Connection
Before you build, find tools and resources to ensure your project is a success.
Review our requirements and standards.
Contact an Energy Advisor
Contact us early in your project to learn about programs and apply for incentives that will deliver maximum results.