NJEDA Expands Geographic Eligibility for NJ Cool Program

New eligibility to include all designated Overburdened Community and Adjacent census blocks per the State’s Environmental Justice Law

TRENTON, N.J. (May 29, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has expanded eligibility for the NJ Cool Program, which provides grants to building owners and tenants undertaking retrofit construction projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings. Eligibility for the original pilot program only included projects in the municipalities of Atlantic City, Edison, and Newark. The Authority has now expanded eligibility to include projects in all designated Overburdened Communities (OBC) and formally designated Adjacent Community census blocks per the State’s Environmental Justice Law.

WHAT:           Under the NJ Cool program, the NJEDA will provide grants of up to $1 million to applicants for 50 percent of eligible project construction costs for emissions-reducing retrofit projects. Projects are required to update the building’s heating or cooling system and can also include other energy efficiency measures or adding on-site renewable energy systems, such as solar panels. In addition to reducing emissions, the program will accelerate the adoption of more environmentally friendly building systems, technologies, and construction practices within New Jersey.

WHO:             The geography expansion will allow commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings in designated Overburdened Community (OBC) and formally designated Adjacent census block groups to qualify for NJ Cool. The original pilot municipalities of Atlantic City, Newark, and Edison are still eligible. A full list of designated Overburdened Communities can be found here.

WHEN:          Applications are currently open on a rolling basis. For more information on the program, including full application requirements and eligible projects, please visit the website or email njcool@njeda.gov.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###