The program funds feasibility studies that thoroughly assess innovative approaches and solutions with significant GHG reduction potential. These studies determine practicality and viability of potential solutions, assess impacts and benefits, mitigate risks, identify implementation requirements and recommend specific courses of action.

Studies should equip municipalities with the information needed to undertake pilot projects or implement capital projects in GMF's Net-Zero Transformation suite. Projects must demonstrate innovation through new technologies, business models, or transformative applications of existing solutions.

Study components must include:

• Assessment of GHG impacts of the solution or approach being studied
• Equity assessment examining impacts on equity-deserving groups and mitigation strategies
• Climate risk assessment (required for studies of new infrastructure assets over $2 million)

Eligible study activities:

• Target market or user assessment and technical requirements evaluation
• Financial analysis (cost estimates, revenue projections, ROI, funding options)
• Legal and regulatory context examination
• Organizational capacity evaluation and environmental/social impact assessment
• Detailed project planning and stakeholder engagement

Innovation requirement: Must target significant performance improvement over best practice through development/application of new knowledge, policy, practice, business model, or advanced technology; OR new/emerging application of existing technology representing substantive change.