End-Use Energy Efficiency offset projects reduce building sector CO2 emissions by reducing on-site combustion of natural gas, oil, or propane for end-use in existing or new commercial or residential building. Eligible new buildings are limited to new buildings that are designed to replace an existing building on the offset project site, or new buildings designed to be zero-net-energy buildings. Emissions reductions are determined based on reductions in reporting period energy use related to eligible Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), in comparison to baseline energy use for those end uses of building systems targeted by eligible ECMs.
To qualify for the award of CO2 offset allowances, End-Use Energy Efficiency offset projects must reduce CO2 emissions through one or more of the following eligible ECMs:
- Improvements in the energy efficiency of combustion equipment that provide space heating and hot water, including a reduction in fossil fuel consumption through the use of solar and geothermal energy.
- Improvements in the efficiency of heating distribution systems, including proper sizing and commissioning of heating systems.
- Installation or improvement of energy management systems.
- Improvement in the efficiency of hot water distribution systems and reduction in demand for hot water.
- Measures that improve the thermal performance of the building envelope and/or reduce building envelope air leakage.
- Measures that improve the passive solar performance of buildings and utilization of active heating systems using renewable energy.
- Fuel switching to a less carbon-intensive fuel for use in combustion systems, including the use of liquid or gaseous eligible biomass, provided that conversions to electricity are not eligible.
Multiple prescriptive energy efficiency standards, best-practice design and installation practices, or market penetration rate standards may apply to a project depending on the specific ECMs implemented and the date of project commencement. Consult state regulations for details.
For more information, please consult state regulations. End-Use Energy Efficiency offset projects are currently eligible in Connecticut.
Parties evaluating potential offset projects in multiple RGGI States should also consult the Model Rule, which forms the basis for the development of individual state regulations. Note that the Model Rule is provided for informational purposes only, and state regulations apply.
Application Process and Model Materials
For more details on the application process, including relevant state offset project application instructions and materials, please see the Application Process page.
For additional context, draft model template application materials are provided below. These served as the basis for developing materially consistent state-specific offset project application and submittal materials. They are provided for informational purposes only and should not be submitted to RGGI States.