The Public Works Energy Playbook: Turning Mandates into Measurable Gains

As energy incentives grow stricter and budgets tighter, public works leaders face a high-stakes challenge: how to build infrastructure that’s compliant, resilient and affordable. The answer? Treat sustainability as a catalyst, not a cost.

Weaving energy strategy into early planning allows municipalities to unlock funding, meet regulations with confidence and deliver projects built to withstand both climate demands and financial pressures.

Rising Standards, Real Opportunities

Although federal policies continue to evolve, state- and local-level energy incentive initiatives are forging ahead. According to the Clean Energy State Alliance, 30 states, Washington, D.C. and two U.S. territories have adopted new standards, and 24 of those have set goals to reach 100% clean energy.

For instance, New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) calls for an 85% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Paired with updated energy and fleet electrification codes, these moves are accelerating the transition to low-carbon public infrastructure.

Even without strict mandates, elected officials are taking preemptive steps to modernize aging systems and slice energy expenditures; because the economic and operational benefits make upfront action a worthwhile investment.

Funding the Future

Eco-friendly approaches don’t have to strain budgets. A wide range of energy incentive programs can help offset costs at every stage, from initial planning to full implementation.

Federal Programs

The most reliable nationwide grants include:

• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Provides a 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for eligible renewable energy systems. However, recent legislation may accelerate the phase-out of these credits—especially for projects not yet under construction, so leaders are encouraged to act fast
• Department of Energy (DOE) Grants: Fund critical replacements for water, wastewater and municipal infrastructure
• National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program: Funds EV charging, particularly for fleets and regional mobility projects

State-Level Initiatives

State support varies widely but can offer substantial funding—such as NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program in New York, which provides up to $300,000, and Michigan’s Renewables Ready Communities program, covering projects up to $3 million.

Utility Rebates

Utility providers also administer subsidies. In Georgia, for example, Sawnee EMC reimburses 25% of HVAC and lighting overhauls (up to $750) and 20% of EV charging equipment (up to $2,000).

Once the right funding sources are identified, municipalities can pursue feasibility studies—typically covered by incentives or completed through energy consultants—to mitigate uncertainty and move projects forward.

Designing Smarter, Saving More

Obtaining funding is only the first step. For true value, lean principles must be embedded from the outset of design—anchored in organizational priorities, site context and data.

In “vertical” projects such as town halls or emergency response centers, success hinges on envelope performance, passive systems and mechanical expediency. For “horizontal” infrastructure—think roadways or stormwater systems—timely energy modeling and load balancing are essential for managing consumption and lifecycle costs.

Proven engineering tactics include:

• Efficient HVAC systems (e.g., geothermal, air-source heat pumps, variable refrigerant flow)
• Demand-controlled ventilation based on occupancy
• Smart lighting systems with daylight sensors and automation
• Water conservation technologies, like low-flow fixtures and usage monitoring

Upgrades for a wastewater treatment plant in LeRoy, NY, sidestepped the cost of new construction by retrofitting an underutilized tank for UV disinfection—a chemical-free process that harnesses light to neutralize pathogens. Made possible by New York’s DEC and EFC grants, the upgrade boosted performance and curbed waste byproducts without increasing rates.

Coordinated architectural decisions amplify these gains. Solar orientation and glazing optimize performance, and south-facing facades can incorporate larger windows for winter sun—especially when combined with shading devices or deciduous trees to block excess heat in summer. Thinner footprints also allow for more rooftop area dedicated to solar PV installation.

Additional passive design considerations:

• Airtight envelopes with proper vapor control to prevent condensation and modulate insulation based on climate and performance goals
• Locally sourced or low-embodied carbon materials
• Secondary window glazing for retrofits in older buildings—improving thermal performance without full replacement

Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Greensboro Transit Authority Headquarters emphasized passive design from day one. Rooftop solar panels, natural daylighting, automated lighting controls and a thermal envelope—along with recyclable materials and a 40-year plan—contributed to the project achieving LEED Gold certification.

Together, these methods can lower energy use by 20–40%, saving tens of thousands in annual utility costs.

At the district scale, co-located facilities can share systems—microgrids, communal thermal energy networks and centralized battery storage—to maximize renewable generation and bolster redundancy during grid disruptions.

For Buncombe County’s upcoming fleet maintenance facility, we leveraged energy modeling and lifecycle cost analysis to justify a fully electrified mechanical system supplemented by solar energy.

Paving a Greener Path

As codes tighten, the window for action is narrowing. Yet with the right roadmaps, and close collaboration across planning, architecture and engineering teams, sustainability becomes a launchpad, not a roadblock.

Progressive communities start by asking:

• What energy incentives and performance targets apply to our projects?
• Which programs can trim costs?
• What design techniques might reconcile long-term savings with short-term needs?

In reframing energy as a tactical move, public sector leaders can build infrastructure that’s leaner, cleaner and made to last.

Let’s Power What’s Next, Together

In 2024 alone, CPL helped communities win more than $37 million in grants. As federal policies shift, our team stays ahead of evolving regulations and incentive structures—helping municipalities act fast, plan wisely and turn short windows into long-term wins.