The Biden Administration recently released “Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector,” a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from buildings by 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050.
The Blueprint is the first sector-wide strategy for building decarbonization developed by the federal government. It outlines ways to reduce energy in homes, schools, and workplaces.
To reach the emissions reduction targets for the buildings sector, the Blueprint sets four strategic objectives:
• Increasing building energy efficiency
• Accelerating onsite emissions reductions
• Transforming the interactions between buildings and the electricity grid
• Minimizing the emissions from producing, transporting, installing, and disposing of building materials
Each objective has specific performance targets and market, policy, and technology milestones to reach by 2035 and 2050. Meeting these targets will require accelerated deployment of a wide range of decarbonization and energy efficiency technologies. The Blueprint outlines coordinated federal actions that can increase the speed and scale of solutions deployments. Those actions include funding research and development to develop lower-cost technologies, expanding markets for low-carbon technologies, providing direct funding and financing, and supporting the development and implementation of emissions-reducing building codes and appliance standards.
The Department of Energy, a key player in the administration’s decarbonization drive, is focused on building innovations in three pivotal areas: building upgrades, efficient electrification, and smart controls.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2018
L.A. mayor proposes mandatory seismic retrofits for steel buildings, daycare centers, private schools
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed a seismic retrofit requirement for vulnerable steel buildings built before the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2018
Dept. of Energy says 2016 ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 would save 8.2% of energy costs
Favorable comparison to 2013 standard for commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2018
Well Living Lab launches extensive study on how indoor environments affect people’s lives
Factors that impact health, performance, stress and resiliency, sleep, and comfort to be scrutinized.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2018
New guide helps planners assess innovation districts
The document is designed to aid in targeting resources toward innovative and inclusive economic development based on an area’s unique strengths and challenges.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2018
AEC industry reported high levels of fraud, cyber breaches, and security incidents in 2017
83% experienced at least one fraud incident.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2018
Smart surface solutions can improve disaster resilience, health and comfort in cities
Stormwater management, water quality, and heat island effect could all be impacted.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2018
Bolstering energy efficiency would produce significant health benefits, ACEEE study says
Reducing energy consumption by 15% would save six lives a day.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
