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 | Sep 13, 2017
OSHA issues extension for compliance with crane operator certification requirements
Comments on proposed rule sought through Sept. 29.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2017
Los Angeles luxury high-rise is first U.S. apartment building to achieve WELL Multifamily certification
Hollywood Proper Residences have verified indoor air and water quality features.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2017
Seventy percent of contractors have trouble finding workers
AGC survey indicates that fewer companies may be able to bid on projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2017
New CTBUH initiatives to investigate link between fire and façades
In wake of Grenfell tragedy, Council forms new workgroup.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2017
U.S. markets with the largest hotel construction pipeline
New York has the largest hotel construction pipeline of any U.S. market.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2017
Trump rescinds elevation requirements for federally funded buildings and infrastructure
Flood protection on subsidized housing, hospitals, and other public buildings rolled back.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2017
Stormwater runoff mitigation pays off for some building owners
Rain gardens, green roofs, cisterns, and rainwater recycling add value.
