What is Owner-Financed Building Decarbonization?

Owner-financed building Decarbonization (OBD) is a PowerOptions building decarbonization option that enables your organization to own the project outright. The upfront capital is footed directly by each member who chooses this option, and is best for smaller buildings or facilities with straightforward decarbonization scopes. Under this option, PowerOptions provides services for a Level 2 ASHRAE audit, design, build, and installation, as well as grants & incentives advisory. As the name implies, OBD is an option in which PowerOptions members own decarbonization equipment outright. This option is structured so that members capture all decarbonization savings directly. PowerOptions partners with World Energy Services to complete building decarbonization under this option.

Who does PowerOptions contract with as a vendor for OBD?

Through our competitive RFP process, PowerOptions has selected World Energy Services as our partner for OBD. World Energy Services was selected for their technical depth, competitive pricing, pricing methodology and willingness to agree to PowerOptions pre-negotiated contract terms. Our partner is committed to delivering high-quality, turnkey projects across the range of building types our members own and operate.

Who is Owner-Financed Building Decarbonization best for?

OBD is the right fit for members who are ready to fund their projects, whether directly or through a third party, and want a streamlined path from decision to installation. Projects include a Level 2 ASHRAE audit, grants and incentives, and turnkey design-build delivery under PowerOptions' pre-negotiated terms with timelines typically measured in weeks to months. Ideally, members who choose this plan have smaller buildings or more straightforward project scopes, have a tight timeline with a clear project in mind, already have access to project financing, and want to own the project, savings and its outcomes outright.

What's included in the project scopes for these services?

Energy efficiency & renewables, Clean heating & cooling, Enabling upgrades, Responsible system retirements, Envelope improvements, and Other measures.

Does PowerOptions support mixed ownership models for building decarbonization?

Yes, mixed-ownership models are fully supported. Members participating in building decarbonization can own some assets and lease others.

We've spent decades helping our members navigate the energy market. Our member-first, independent expertise now powers decarbonization planning throughout the Northeast. Through our vetted vendors, competitive pre-negotiated terms with open-book pricing and profit caps and a seamless path from planning to turnkey completion, PowerOptions is a partner in your decarbonization journey.

Owner-financed building decarbonization Solutions

Own Your Project. Own Your Savings.

Owner-Financed Building Decarbonization is PowerOptions' fastest, most direct path from decision to installation. Bring your project or let us help identify one— we bring vetted vendor access, pre-negotiated contract terms, and hands-on guidance from start to finish.

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Streamlined decarbonization for Members ready to invest

For Members with access to capital, a clear project in mind, and a timeline to meet, OBD is the simplest way to get high-quality decarbonization projects in the ground.

How it works

Every owner-financed building decarbonization engagement follows a consistent, transparent process to meet each of our Members’ decarbonization needs. Each project’s timeline depends on its scope and complexity. It can range from weeks to months.

1. Qualification

We work with you to confirm your project is a fit for owner-financed building decarbonization and connect you with our vendor.

2. Level 2 ASHRAE Audit

Our vendor conducts an energy audit to define the scope, identify opportunities, and determine applicable grants and incentives.

3. Turnkey Proposal

You receive a complete proposal covering design, build, installation, grants, and incentives priced under PowerOptions' pre-negotiated contract terms.

4. Contract Execution

You contract directly with the vendor using PowerOptions-vetted terms. Each vendor has worked with our Members and can cater to their unique needs.

5. Installation

The vendor delivers the project as a turnkey engagement.

Our Vendor

Through our competitive RFP process, PowerOptions selected World Energy Services to deliver Owner-financed Building Decarbonization projects for our membership. World Energy Services was selected for their technical depth, pricing methodology, willingness to agree to PowerOptions' negotiated contract terms, and commitment to delivering high-quality, turnkey projects across the range of building types our members own and operate.

What's included

Vetted vendor

PowerOptions Members have access to our bench of competitively selected vendor.

Level 2 ASHRAE audit

Detailed, site-specific evaluation of your facilities’ energy use in line with industry standards.

Turnkey project

With PowerOptions, we will help you design, build, and install what you need to decarbonize your facilities.

Grants & incentives support

PowerOptions Members receive support in finding grants & incentives to help finance your decarbonization project.

Pre-negotiated pricing

We leveraged the strength of our membership to find a vendor who provides competitive pricing, increasing your energy savings.

Expert guidance

Our clean energy experts help you at every step of your decarbonization journey - from planning to completion and beyond.

Who it's for

Owner-financed building decarbonization is designed for non-profits and public entities that value speed, simplicity, and full ownership. It's an especially strong fit for the following types of organizations.

Members with smaller buildings or simple project scopes

Members on a tight timeline with a clear project in mind

Members with capital access for financing decarbonization

Members who want to own the project and directly capture all savings

Why procure with PowerOptions

Vetted vendors, selected through a competitive RFP

Negotiated terms with transparent, open-book pricing and profit cap

A seamless path from planning to project completion

Partnerships

Frequently Asked Questions

Address

129 South Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02111

Phone

(617) 865-5233