City of Columbus - Green Columbus Fund

Summary

The Green Columbus Fund incentivizes sustainable development and redevelopment in Columbus, Ohio. The Fund reimburses private and non-profit developers the application fee for the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) LEED certification. LEED for New Construction, Core and Shell, Commercial Interiors, and Existing Buildings are eligible. 

Qualifications
Grant funds will go directly to owners of qualifying Columbus buildings. In order to qualify for the reimbursement funds, projects must 1) be built in the city of Columbus; 2) receive LEED certification for its building; and 3) fulfill at least 8 of 12 key LEED credits designated on the Green Columbus Fund application (O&M projects do not have to meet City-designated credits). Examples of City of Columbus LEED credits include: site selection, development density / community connectivity, and water reduction measures.

Reimbursement Bonuses
In addition to grant funds that reimburse the application fee for LEED certification, qualifying private and non-profit projects can receive additional funds based on the level of  LEED certification, project siting within inner city developed area, and fulfillment of additional City of Columbus credits beyond the 8 required for qualification.

1. LEED Certification Bonuses: Silver = +50%; Gold = +100%; Platinum = +150%
2. Inner City / Developed Area Bonuses or EB:O&M Bonus: +100%
3. 9 thru 12 City Credit Bonuses: +25% thru +100%
4. Multifamily Bonus: +25%

Interested institutions and project developers, as well as those that have begun the LEED certification process, are encouraged to contact the Columbus Department of Development in order to begin the application process. Green Columbus Fund applicants do not have to wait until the GBCI certification process has been completed in order to submit their application.