Federal funding for climate investments is increasing at an unprecedented level. The $369B Inflation Reduction Act was the largest climate investment in US history. More recently, the EPA instituted the $5B Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program.
Need help with the application process? Check out our article ‘The EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants – A Complete Guide for MSAs’
Climate investment of this magnitude presents an exceptional opportunity for MSAs to seize control of their climate action strategies and transform their sustainability aspirations into tangible outcomes, but this opportunity only comes to those with the strongest applications.
There are a variety of straightforward application requirements, but don’t be fooled! Simply checking the boxes of required materials doesn’t make your MSA’s phase 2 Implementation Grants application stand out; in fact, you will blend in among the other applicants and decrease your chances of receiving pivotal climate investment.
Your fellow CPRG Phase 2 applicants will rely on ICLEI ClearPath, or otherwise use annual average emission factors, to conduct GHG inventories, forecasts and create their Priority Climate Action Plans.
They'll build their application with the assumption that their data supports the many key deliverables the EPA requires of funding recipients; some of which are: a GHG inventory, quantified GHG reduction measures, GHG emissions projections, reduction targets and more.
The EPA is fully aware of how misleading and inaccurate annual emissions data is. In fact, the entire carbon accounting industry is starting to recognize this fact. The United Nations now advocates for a 24/7 standard of carbon accounting, GRESB, PCAF and CREMM now push time-of-use, hourly emission factors–which is to say, the new gold standard is monitoring emissions 24 hours a day, every day for 365 days in a year. Contrast this with the standard annual averages your fellow applicants are using and you’re sure to see a major opportunity to stand out – better data.
Think about it from the perspective of the EPA–the most compelling Phase 2 applicants will be the best stewards of funding. They’ll prioritize applicants who demonstrate a clear understanding of climate challenges and present gold-standard, data-backed solutions to drive measurable impact.
If emissions and energy data are the bedrock of any downstream climate initiatives, then applicants who utilize real time 24/7 data will greatly increase their chances of distinguishing themselves among other applicants and unlock substantial federal funding.
So how do you get hourly emissions and energy tracking?
First and foremost, you can get NZero for free. If you apply to the non-competitive Phase 1 Planning Grants (MSAs deadline 4/28/23), you’re guaranteed $1 million dollars of climate funding you can use to pay for NZero.
Armed with NZero you unlock 24/7 carbon accounting and management capabilities with the most accurate and real-time emissions data– effectively positioning your application among the most innovative and forward-thinking governing bodies in carbon accounting and management.
Not only does this level of data granularity significantly increase your likelihood of receiving CPRG Phase 2 funding, but it dramatically optimizes CAPEX and OPEX across your entire MSA. Understanding your carbon footprint and real-time energy use empowers you to make data-driven decisions to reduce emissions, operational costs and engage your constituents.
As previously mentioned, you can use non-competitive funding to pay for NZero. Armed with our platform and services, your MSA can create a compelling narrative workplan (a required Phase 2 deliverable) that demonstrates your interagency coordination, stakeholder engagement, outputs, outcomes and performance measures. You will also be required to describe how you will execute the 3 core deliverables: a Priority Climate Action Plan, a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, and a final Status Report.
Communicating to the EPA that you’re using 24/7 real-time emissions data to execute GHG inventories, quantified GHG reduction measures, GHG emission projections and more will no doubt distinguish you from your fellow applicants.
Should your application succeed and your MSA is granted CPRG funding, you will be required to produce 3 key deliverables over the next few years–all requiring detailed analyses of your emissions data. This stage is where the real impact occurs, and NZero can play a vital role in making it a success. With NZero's support, your MSA can effectively execute its plans by optimizing resource allocation, monitoring progress, and adapting to challenges or changes along the way.
Our team of experts and state-of-the-art platform can help you implement your Priority Climate Action Plan more effectively–increasing the likelihood of hitting your sustainability targets. Moreover, NZero can help you access additional funding opportunities (outside of the CPRG), ensuring your climate initiatives remain sustainable in the long run.
Your data serves as the bedrock for every downstream decision you make. If you’re serious about maximizing your chances of receiving CPRG funding, the answer is clear: get access to the best emissions data possible with NZero. It will not only distinguish you from other applicants but help you to focus on what really matters: reducing emissions, reducing costs, and building a better tomorrow.
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