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 | Jan 25, 2018
OSHA penalties for violations increase
Fines adjusted for inflation in the New Year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2018
Disaster mitigation strategies that exceed code could save billions
Four dollars saved for every dollar spent, says NIBS report.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2018
U.S. construction fatalities rose 6% in 2016
Falls accounted for 39% of deadly accidents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2018
Record storm surge in Boston prompts renewed calls for flood mitigation infrastructure
Newer buildings constructed in flood zone fared well.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2018
Green Building Initiative acquires global rights to Green Globes from JLL
Transaction allows GBI to expand operations to Canada and elsewhere.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2018
Engage code officials early for better building performance, predictable enforcement expectations
White paper says code officials should be collaborators and facilitators.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2018
Arlington County, Va., earns first LEED for Communities Platinum Certification
Honor recognizes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2018
TRUE Zero Waste provides roadmap to divert waste away from landfills
USGBC program signs on more than 130 companies or facilities for certification.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2018
Sliding-scale proposal for civil damages resulting from construction fatalities, injuries draws ire of trades
New York City Council proposal puts limits on penalties for safety violations leading to death, serious injury.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2018
Federal appeals court orders EPA to revise lead standard within a year
Current exposure levels for lead in paint and dust have been in place for 17 years.
