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 | Mar 5, 2020
France to mandate all new public buildings be 50% timber or other natural materials
Measure would go into effect by 2022.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2020
American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute expand partnership
Will collaborate on new code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2020
Wallcoverings industry releases product scorecards concerning sustainability
Tool adds more transparency to certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2020
Bay Area communities struggle with what to do about rising sea level
Policies include sea walls, levies, and relocation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2020
Cell phones present a safety hazard at job sites
Use of ear buds, headphones banned by some contractors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.
