The U.S. Dept. of Energy has awarded a total of $32 million for more than 30 next-generation building retrofit projects that will dramatically improve affordable housing technologies, according to a DOE news release.
Seven organizations will use the money to test renovation techniques that reduce disruption to tenants while upgrading the energy and environmental performance of buildings more quickly, affordably, and effectively, the release says. The techniques, such as prefabricating walls and drop-in replacements for heating, cooling, and hot water systems, can “revolutionize construction and renovation.”
They can also help decarbonize America’s 130 million buildings at the rate needed to address the climate crisis and meet President Biden’s goals of a net zero carbon economy by 2050, the release says. The projects are intended to drive the development of new technologies, practices, and approaches, and ensure these efficient and low-carbon innovations are widely deployed.
The awards will be used to implement numerous materials including prefabricated, super-insulated wall retrofit panel blocks, a wall system with vacuum insulated panels, a heat pump pod, a solar photovoltaic-integrated multi-functional heat pump system for space and water heating, and software tools to properly size and install retrofit packages. The selected organizations will also advance DOE’s Advanced Building Construction Collaborative, which connects companies working in prefabricated, modular, and other industrialized construction techniques with building owners, developers, financiers, utilities, and researchers to modernize the construction industry and buildings sector.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2018
After Energy Star stopped certifying medical properties, a REIT developed its own certification
Welltower uses internal system to evaluate total building performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2018
Rezoning, innovative investor enabling development of a “metroburb” in New Jersey
Indoor mixed-use “Main Street” blossoms in giant former Bell Labs building.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2018
Publication provides insight into managing risk of wind-borne debris damage
Explains how models and data are used to assess the risk of structural damage.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2018
EPA’s Water of the U.S. rule delayed for two years while repeal sought
Controversial Obama-era regulation may never be implemented.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2018
Astrophysicist turns his skills toward identifying and predicting location of vacant buildings
Project could help Baltimore and other cities redevelop blighted properties.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2018
Denver’s new green roof mandate raises implementation policies
Voter initiative left many details undecided.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2018
How workplace design can position financial services companies for success
HOK report examines forces reshaping industry.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
California is the first state to phase out incandescent light bulbs
In two years, the rest of the U.S. will follow suit.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
Automated tool assists in design of force transfer around openings
Engineered Wood Assn. offers free calculator and technical note.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year
Skanska will integrate the technology into building facades.