DOE releases stricter energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings taking effect in 2014

The Energy Department released stricter energy efficiency standards this month for new federal buildings. The standards, which will take effect next July, are expected to result in source energy savings 18.2% above the current requirement for existing buildings.

The DOE says that this translates to a cost savings of roughly "$1.74 billion over 30 years." The new requirements are in response to a more stringent building standard adopted by ASHRAE in 2010. 

(http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/309585-doe-to-toughen-energy-efficiency-standards-for-new-federal-buildings)