Green roof Incentives

This page is a list of potential local and regional green roof and stormwater management incentive programs that your green roof project could apply for.  Just scroll through the list to find your city and/or state and follow the link to learn more.

Local Incentives 

AUSTIN, TX

Austin Texas Green Roof Density Bonus: In 2012 Austin Texas passed a green roof density bonus that will enable developers up to an additional 8 sq. ft. of floor space for each sq. ft. of green roof installed.

BALTIMORE, MD

Blue Water Baltimore Green Roof Incentive:  Blue Water Baltimore is a non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the quality of the local watershed surrounding the Baltimore area.  This organization offers a green roof incentive of $2 per square foot of green roof installed but not to exceed 50% of total project costs. 

Baltimore Green Roofs: The City of Baltimore does not itself offer green roof incentives.  However, they can be used in place of other required stormwater management requirements.

Baltimore Blue Roof Incentive: Properties in Baltimore may earn credits against their stormwater management fee by removing impervious surface from their property, or adopting best management practices like installing rain gardens or planting trees. Single- family properties may also earn credits by participating in organized clean ups or other approved activities. 

Baltimore Stormwater Management Incentive: The city of Baltimore stormwater management program follows the State of Maryland program (as of February '14). Baltimore carries a stormwater fee that is applicable to residential and commercial properties alike. Each property is charged based on the amount of impervious surface on a property, in 3 tiers (a fee structure that is not anticipated to change in the next 4 years). Green roofs can mitigate the total impervious space of a property. Properties with less than 820 square feet of impervious surface pay a fee of $10/quarter, 820-1500 square feet pay $15/quarter, and anything above pays $30/quarter. An ERU stands for Equivalent Residential Unit. One ERU is equivalent to 1,050 square feet of impervious surface.

CHICAGO, IL

The City of Chicago: The City of Chicago is no longer accepting green roof grant applications at this time.  The City has offered grants in the past that offered up to 50% of cost up to $100,000 for green roof installations that covered over 50% of the roof space. 

Green Permit Program: This program offers an expedited permit process and a possible reduction of permit fees to permit applications for commercial buildings that include green technologies such as green roof that earn certification within the LEED rating system, or residential projects that earn certification under the Chicago Green Homes Program or LEED for Homes.

Chicago Stormwater Management Incentives: For rate control, green roof benefits are accounted for by computing a weighted C-value based on the amount of storage provided in the roof’s substrate. In most cases, a green roof will not cover all surfaces of a roof. The green roof will be counted as a pervious surface to aid in achieving the required impervious area reduction. In addition, the lower C-value of the green roof will have the effect of reducing the volume of storage required to meet the rate control requirements. 

CINCINNATI, OH

Green Roof Loans: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD), and the Cincinnati Office of Environment and Sustainability have created the Green Roof Loan Program.  This program has made $5,000,000 available for below-market-rate loans to install green roofs within the MSD service area on residential, commercial, and/or industrial buildings. 

Green Stormwater Demonstration Fund: The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD) is initiating its Green Infrastructure Program through sponsorship of green storm water control demonstration projects. These storm water controls can be classified as either non-structural or structural. Non-structural BMPs limit the impact of development with effective planning and practice. Funding for these demonstration projects is limited and competitive. The Ohio EPA has made $5,000,000 available for linked-deposit, below-market-rate loans to install green vegetative roofs within the service area of Metropolitan Sewer District. These can be installed on residential, commercial and/or industrial buildings.

Cincinnati Stormwater Management Credit: Cincinnati offers a stormwater credit of up to 50% of stormwater management fees for properties that retain rainfall on-site and limit discharge to predevelopment rates. 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Indianapolis Green Roof Incentive: Each year, the City of Indianapolis' Office of Sustainability and United Water collaborate on the Green Infrastructure Grant Program to promote green infrastructure construction, such as green roofs, porous pavement and rain gardens. In 2010, $100,000 in funding was granted to organizations who utilize green infrastructure projects designed to improve water quality and reduce storm water runoff. Non-profit organizations committed to efforts in sustainable development within Marion County can apply for up to $20,000 per organization with 20 percent matching funds required. Some For-Profit entities are eligible with proper approval.

Indianapolis Stormwater Management Incentive: Credit shall be granted from the total monthly stormwater user fee for private stormwater facilities, such as retention/detention facilities, constructed either prior to the effective date or after the effective date of the stormwater specification manual, if those facilities either meet or exceed the requirements of the stormwater manual and are in effect at the time of construction.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Los Angeles New Building Requirement: All new building projects over 10,000 ft² and reconstruction projects that exceed 50% of the value of the original building are required to meet a LEED Silver certification.

MARYLAND

Anne Arundel County Stormwater Management Tax Credit: A property tax credit of up to 10% of the cost of materials and installation of an approved stormwater management practice per year, for a period of 5 years.   The total amount of this credit is limited to $10,000.

MILWAUKEE, WI

MMSD Green Infrastructure Partnership Program: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is offering a $5.00 per square foot green roof subsidy.  Public/government agencies, private property owners, and non-profits are all welcome to apply.

MMSD Green Infrastructure Partnership Program:  Offered in the Spring, this program provides reimbursement grants of up to 50% of the project cost for unique high exposure green infrastructure projects.  These projects must contain substantial education/outreach components that are highlighted on their website.

Stormwater Management Incentive: Credits are available for those who eliminate impervious area from older development.  These credits are known as Impervious Area Credits.  This credit can offset new development of impervious areas if both fall within the same sub-watershed.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Minneapolis Stormwater Credit Program: The City of Minneapolis offer’s a credit of up to 50% off of the city’s stormwater utility fee to buildings that improve their stormwater management practices with infrastructure such as green roofs.  For buildings that demonstrate methods to reduce the quantity of storm water runoff can receive a 50-100% credit.  Green roofs that are specifically oriented to storm water management qualify for this greater stormwater credit.

NASHVILE, TN

Green Roof Rebate: As part of an effort to encourage Low Impact Development (LID) and Green Infrastructure (GI) in Metro Nashville, Metro Water Services is offering a green roof credit for private properties within the combined sewer system area. The credit will be applied to the monthly sewer charges for a property.  The maximum total credit amount will equal $10 multiplied by the square footage of green roof installed.  The sewer charges will be credited for 60 months or until the maximum total is reached, whichever comes first.

Nashville Stormwater Management Incentives: A number of incentives for stormwater management are provided by Nashville.  Certain stormwater and water/sewer plan review and application fees will be waived if green infrastructure management practices are implemented.  The stormwater user fee can be reduced by as much as 75% through implementation of these methods.  The use of green roofs can reduce the required stormwater detention quantity as well.

NEW YORK, NY

New York State Law (Large City Requirement: NYC): In NYC building owners can receive a one year tax credit of up to $100,000 (or $4.50 per sq/ft) for green roof installations that encompass at least 50% of available roof space and with a system with at least two inches of growing media. Law was effective from August 5, 2008-March 15, 2013. An extension date has not yet been confirmed as of November 18, 2013.  Follow the link above for future updates.

State Green Building Construction Act: This act requires all new government buildings adhere to green building standards set by the New York Office of General Services. These rules apply to all new construction and any major renovation projects.

New York Stormwater Management Incentives: The city of New York is currently offering their stormwater retrofit program.  This initiative is a competitive grant for municipalities, organizations, business, and property owners.  The program supports the design, construction, and maintenance of stormwater retrofits that control stormwater runoff and reduces the flow of pollutants to the water supply.  From 1999- 2013 78 stormwater construction grants have been approved totaling over $14.5 million in DEP funding.

PHILADELPHIA, PA 

Business Privilege Tax – Green Roof Tax Credit: The city offers a credit against the Business Privilege Tax of 25% of all costs incurred to construct a green roof up to $100,000. To qualify, the green roof must cover 50% of the building's rooftop or 75% of 'Eligible Roof Top Space', defined as the total space available to support a Green Roof.

Philadelphia Stormwater Credit Program: Philadelphia offers a Stormwater Credits Program, which is designed to provide financial and environmental incentives to Non-residential customers to implement and maintain functional stormwater management practices.  Three classes are offered: Impervious Area Stormwater Credit, Gross Area Stormwater Credit, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Credit.  Green roofs qualify for a stormwater management credit.  Properties eligible for one or more credits are able to subtract the eligible infiltration area from the billable impermeable area.  Within combined sewer areas, practices that receive credits must also detain and slow release the first 1” of runoff. This allows properties to minimize their stormwater bill.

PALO ALTO, CA

Palo Alto Green Roof Incentive: The Palo Alto Green Roof Rebate provides $1.50 per square foot for the installation of a green (vegetated) roof to minimize storm runoff from rooftops. The rebates are limited to a maximum of $1,000 per single-family residential property and $10,000 for commercial/industrial and multi-family residential properties

PORTLAND, OR

Portland’s Ecoroof Program: In order to promote using ecoroofs (extensive green roofs) on both public and private property to manage stormwater on-site, the city is offering building owners an incentive of $5 per square foot for approved projects.  The city also offers resources and technical assistance to anyone interested in getting involved in green roof industry.

Clean River Rewards Stormwater Discount Program: Portland’s Clean River Rewards Stormwater Discount Program offers up to a 100% discount on on-site stormwater management charges to promote stormwater management practices. 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Expedited Permitting: The city offers priority permitting for LEED Gold, FAR/height waivers for higher performance, rebates for PV installation from SFPUC, and rebates for water and energy efficiency.

Green Building Requirements: San Francisco requires all new non-residential buildings to obtain a LEED Gold certification or better.  Green roofs contribute points towards LEED certifications.

SEATTLE, WA

Seattle Green Factor: Seattle Green Factor is a score-based code requirement that increases the amount and quality of landscaping in new development.  Green roofs, that cover over 30% a roof contribute to a building’s overall score.  If a building is required to meet the Seattle Green factor, the building owner must reach a minimum score that is established by zoning. 

Floor Area Ratio Bonus: Seattle also offers a Floor Area Ratio bonus in its building code.  Developers are allowed to build an extra 3 square feet per foot of green roof they construct without requiring additional permitting. 

Seattle Stormwater Management Incentives: Seattle offers a number of incentives and programs to residential homeowners.  This system has been created to recognize privately owned systems that reduce stormwater flow and/or provide water quality treatment on-site. 

Seattle Stormwater Credit Program: Property owners with maintained systems may obtain a credit on their stormwater management bills.

SYRACUSE, NY

Onondaga County Green Improvement Fund (GIF): This fund exists for the purpose of providing financial assistance for the installation of green infrastructure projects including but not limited to green roofs.  Eligible costs include design and engineering costs as well as construction costs to modify the site and install green infrastructure.  GIF has provided over $3.93 million in funding to over 37 green infrastructure projects.

TORONTO, CANADA

Toronto Green Roof Bylaw: This bylaw applies to new building permit applications for residential, commercial and institutional development made after January 31, 2010 and any new industrial development after April 30, 2012. 

Eco Roof Incentive Program: The Eco Roof Incentive Program provides incentive funding to green roof on new and existing residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in Toronto that are not subject to the Toronto Green Roof Bylaw.  The current green roof incentive is $75/m².

Toronto Stormwater Management Incentive: Businesses that take steps to reduce and manage their stormwater on-site can apply for a reduction in their sewer fees.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Green Roof Rebate Program: Washington has a goal of installing green roofs on 20 percent of its buildings by 2020. Washington D.C.'s 2013-2014 provides a base funding of $10 per square foot and up to $15 per square foot in target watersheds. There is no cap on the size of project eligible for the rebate and properties of all sizes, including residential are encouraged to apply. For buildings with a footprint of 2,500 square feet or less, funds are available to offset the cost of a structural assessment. Additional funding may be available for features that further advance environmental goals.

Washington D.C. Stormwater Fee Discount(DDOE): The DDOE offers a discount of up to 55% off their stormwater fee.  Discounts are calculated based on the total volume of stormwater that an eligible BMP or BMP combination retain on site.  Eligible BMPs include green roofs, bio retention, rainwater harvesting, and permeable pavement.  DDOE will provide the maximum discount to sites that retain the 1.2-inch stormwater event.

Washington D.C Stormwater Credit Exchange: Participants who reduce their runoff footprint beyond the minimum requirements may earn stormwater credits.  These credits can then be sold over the exchange to property owners that do not currently, or cannot meet on site stormwater management requirements with existing BMP resources.  All sites have a net retention requirement that could be achieved through a combination of on-site and off-site practices.  All regulated sites are required to achieve a minimum of 1.2” of retention volume on site.

State, Regional, and Federal Incentives

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

Energy Policy Act of 2005: Federal tax credits of up to $1.80 per sq. ft. are available for green building projects that meet ASHRAE standards.

US General Services Agency(GSA): The GSA has adopted a policy that requires all new construction and substantially renovated federally owned facilities to obtain a LEED Gold certification.

EPA Urban Waters Small Grants Program: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants for projects that will advance EPA's water quality and environmental justice goals. Proposed projects will address urban runoff pollution through diverse partnerships that produce multiple community benefits, with emphasis on underserved communities. Note that proposed project activities must take place entirely within one of the Eligible Geographic Areas, as illustrated on the interactive map provided on the Urban Waters Small Grants mapping website.

GREAT LAKES REGION

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: The EPA has issued a request for proposals from states, municipalities, tribes, universities, and nonprofit organizations alike to contribute to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative by funding new projects to restore and protect the Great Lakes.  Up to $27.5 million will be available during the current funding cycle (2014) and the funds will be awarded to projects in the Great Lakes region that are able to make an impact on their resiliance.  These projects will be used to control invasive species, prevent the discharge of nutrients and sediment, and improve the overal water quality in the great lakes.

ILLINOIS (STATE)

Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant: Grants are available to local units of government and other organizations to install green infrastructure best management practices (BMP's) to control stormwater runoff for water quality protection in Illinois. Stormwater Retention and Infiltration Category: The maximum Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) is $750,000 or 75 percent of the eligible project cost.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD

Montgomery County RainScapes Rewards Rebates Program: Qualified green roofs can get $10 per square foot as a tax rebate. Currently, only extensive green roofs constructed on existing buildings (retrofits), whether applied in an integrated approach (applying the layered components directly onto the roof's surface) or in modular units (placed on top of the existing roof), are eligible for rebates under the rebate program. Green roofs for new construction are not eligible for rebates at this time. Annual funds for the programs are limited, so rebates will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

ONONDAGA COUNTY, NY

Onondaga County Green Improvement Fund (GIF): The County's Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP) is implementing a two year Demonstration Program, the Green Improvement Fund to provide financial assistance for the installation of Green Infrastructure (GI) Technologies including but not limited to: tree trenches, planter boxes, porous pavement, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, green streetscapes and cisterns. The purpose of Onondaga County's Green Improvement Fund (GIF) is to support the development of green infrastructure and stormwater mitigation techniques on private property located in the City of Syracuse.

Onondaga County's Suburban Green Infrastructure Program (SGIP): Much like the GIF program the purpose of Onondaga County's Suburban Green Infrastructure Program (SGIP) is to provide financial assistance for the installation of Green Infrastructure (GI) Technologies including but not limited to: tree trenches, planter boxes, porous pavement, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, green streetscapes and cisterns. The main difference is that eligible privately owners must be within the Onondaga County sanitary sewer district but outside of the City of Syracuse.

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, MD

Prince George County Green Roof Rebate Program: The amount of a rebate cannot exceed the cost of the project. The maximum rebate is $2,000 for residential projects and $20,000 for commercial, multi-family dwelling, nonprofit entities, or not-for-profit organizations, including housing cooperatives. The rebate for individual residences is $10.00/SF (300 square feet or ¼ root retrofit cost, minimum) The rebate for commercial, multi-family dwelling, and non-profit organizations is$10.00/SF if less than 6" of planting material. $20.00/SF if over 6" planting material (300 square feet or ¼ root retrofit cost, minimum)

TENNESSEE (STATE)

The Green Development Grant Program: This program provides funding through a competitive process for projects such as rain gardens, green roofs, pervious concrete applications, trees and tree boxes, in addition to outreach and education efforts designated to promote green development in Tennessee communities.