The Biden Administration recently announced new federal investments in building energy efficiency and electrification, as well as new opportunities to modernize homes and businesses.
Among the initiatives is an interagency federal sustainability effort to develop the first-ever building performance standards (BPS) for the federal government. BPS will establish metrics, targets, and tracking methods to reach federal carbon emissions goals. The standards will identify progressive performance milestones as well as the resources that agencies need to meet them.
A low-carbon buildings pilot will be launched. Through the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative, DOE revealed the first 55 commercial, industrial, and multifamily organizations to participate in a program that will share lessons learned for real world pathways to low- and no-emission buildings.
The Environmental Protection Agency said it is launching new residential and commercial sector partnerships to accelerate efficiency and electrification retrofits. This program will have a focus on underserved residential households through the Energy Star Home Upgrade program, accelerate building electrification through an advanced Energy Star certification for new residential buildings, and recognize commercial buildings through a new zero-carbon commercial building certification. It will also launch a new Greenhouse Gas tool linked to its Portfolio Manager tool.
The announcement included the release of a blueprint to integrate grid-interactive buildings into Energy Savings Contracts and new Energy Star standards to advance heat pump technology and fast chargers for electric vehicles.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2019
U.S. and Canada differ on how to evaluate field performance of windows, curtain walls
Variations include laboratory test method for determining rate of air leakage.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019
Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl
Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2019
Persistent flooding having economic impact on coastal cities
Atlantic City, Annapolis among communities affected.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
$1 billion Boston hospital project to include extensive disaster resiliency features
Mass. General expansion will be designed for four days of shelter in place.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians
Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019
High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment
Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.