Maryland’s food service industry is an integral part of our state’s thriving business community and whose buildings serve as cornerstones for connection and shared experiences. Moreover, electrifying kitchen equipment does not mean compromising on meal quality.
The Maryland Clean Buildings Hub (the Hub), an initiative of the Maryland Energy Administration, empowers Maryland’s building owners to make well-informed energy investments in their properties by connecting them to financial, educational, and technical assistance. Sign-up for the Hub newsletter here. Have questions? Contact [email protected].
Food service facility owners and operators can tap into a range of state, federal, utility, and local incentives to help defray the costs of energy efficiency, electrification, or onsite renewable energy measures to existing or new buildings. The
Maryland Clean Buildings Hub is committed to help building owners and operators understand the range of incentives for which they may qualify.
State:
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Commercial & Industrial Grant Program: This program provides eligible commercial buildings funding for cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation upgrades for existing, major renovation, and new construction projects that are above minimum code and performance standards and claim at least 20% energy savings.
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Mechanical Insulation Grant Program: This program provides grants for installing mechanical insulation in industrial and commercial facilities to reduce energy waste, thereby enabling energy-saving improvements to large-scale thermal distribution networks.
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Open Energy Grant Program: This program provides grants for clean energy projects that do not fit the criteria of MEA's other grant programs.
Local:
Utility:
Looking for technical assistance for your food service facility upgrades?
The Hub offers guidance and support to help Marylanders take the next step toward cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.
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Montgomery County Green Bank Technical Assistance Program: Supports studies for commercial sector owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including ASHRAE Level I, Level II, Level III/ Investment Grade audits and/or targeted analyses into benchmarking, energy efficiency, renewable energy (e.g., solar PV), electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and resiliency measures. Eligible property types include but are not limited to office, industrial, retail, hospitality, common ownership communities, multifamily rental (market rate and affordable), and nonprofit-owned properties such as faith-based and educational institutions.
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Montgomery County Benchmarking Ambassadors: A curated list of stakeholders, volunteers, and energy service companies who have received an orientation to the County’s Benchmarking Law on how to properly benchmark in Portfolio Manager. Please note that inclusion in this list does not confer certification, an official endorsement, or approval from the Montgomery County Government or any of its agencies.
The Hub invites you to explore the materials below to help guide your next steps. Use these resources to help move your building decarbonization project forward with greater confidence.
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Benchmarking: Energy benchmarking is the process of tracking a building's annual energy use and using a standard metric to compare the building's performance against past performance and to similar building types. Benchmarking improves understanding of energy consumption patterns; helps identify energy saving opportunities within a portfolio of buildings; and manages business bottom line through consistent data collection and tracking.
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Energy Audits: Conducting an energy audit is a recommended first step in a building’s electrification and decarbonization journey.
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ENERGY STAR Treasure Map for Commercial Kitchens: This checklist from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program can be used during a treasure hunt in a restaurant or commercial kitchen to uncover opportunities for energy savings.
Suggestions for additional resources can be directed to [email protected].
