Energy Department pledges $9 million for energy efficiency improvements on commercial buildings

The U.S. Dept. of Energy will spend $9 million to encourage investments in energy-saving technologies that can be tested and deployed in offices, shops, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and other types of commercial buildings.

The funding will facilitate the implementation of market-ready solutions across the U.S. to improve commercial building energy efficiency, with a goal of demonstrating 20% savings or more across a variety of approaches, the department says. Examples include:

• Green leases that help building owners and lessees save money.

• Better information for better decisions: Use Department-developed energy modeling software to better identify and predict a building’s energy performance.

• Assist lenders in obtaining better access to data and information resources that demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of investing in energy efficiency projects.

This funding opportunity seeks to support 5-10 projects. Organizations are encouraged to partner on applications to enhance the overall deployment impact through channels, market orientation, and strategic relationships. 

The department is interested in proposals that will impact a significant geographic area and commercial buildings market sector, affect a minimum of 100 buildings, achieve at least 20% energy savings over 10 years, train workers, create jobs, and result in programs that will be self-sustaining after the funding period expires.

(http://energy.gov/eere/articles/energy-department-announces-9-million-improve-energy-efficiency-hotels-hospitals)