![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509092111im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Green Power Incentives
A number of local, state and federal incentives are available for installing
on-site renewable generation systems. The Database
of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) 
is
a comprehensive source of information on the status of local, state,
and federal programs and incentives promoting renewable energy,
including information on financial incentives, net metering policies,
and awareness and investment programs.
The Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating
System™ is
a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction,
and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building
approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas
of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water
savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental
quality. In some situations, green power qualifies for LEED points under
the program requirements.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grants Office provides some funding opportunities. A large part of EPA's mission to protect the environment and public health is accomplished by awarding grants and cooperative agreements. This Web site provides information on the grant application process, applicable requirements, as well as a list of current grant opportunities.
The U.S. Department of
Energy's Inventions and Innovation (I&I) program
offers financial and technical support to inventors and businesses for
promising energy-saving concepts and technologies.
The U.S. Department of
Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
works
with business, industry, universities, and others to increase the use
of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. One way EERE
encourages the growth of these technologies is by offering financial
assistance opportunities for their development and demonstration.
Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
issues solicitations inviting small businesses to apply for SBIR/STTR
Phase I grants. Grant applications submitted by small businesses
must respond to a specific technical topic and subtopic during
an open solicitation. The Web site contains information on these
topic/subtopic areas, which include energy production (fossil,
nuclear, renewable, and fusion energy), energy use (in buildings,
vehicles, and industry), fundamental energy sciences (materials,
life, environmental, and computational sciences, and nuclear
and high energy physics), environmental management, and nuclear
nonproliferation.
Smart
Community Network includes a number of resources, both financial and technical, that focus on community
sustainability development.