Press Release
☷Biden Harris Administration Announces $90 Million to Improve Building Efficiency Increase Resilience and Lower Costs for American Families and Businesses
U.S. Department of Energy ( By Press Release office)
Mar 05,2024
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President Biden ' s plan to invest in America is speeding up the adoption of building codes to lower utility bills , improve energy resilience , and create safer communities . The U . S . Department of Energy has announced $90 million in funding to support the adoption of building energy codes at the state and local level . This funding is part of a $225 million program established by President Biden ' s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . The goal is to help state agencies and communities successfully implement modern building codes . It is estimated that energy codes will save homes and businesses $182 billion on utility bills and prevent as much carbon dioxide emissions as 187 million gasoline - powered cars . President Biden ' s plan aims to lower energy costs for working families , make communities more resilient to climate change , and achieve clean energy and climate goals . Energy Secretary Jennifer M . Granholm states that homes built with current energy codes are nearly 40% more efficient , saving families hundreds of dollars per year . Building codes have a significant impact on building resilience and occupant safety during extreme weather events . They improve grid reliability , reduce mortality , and prevent property damage . The funding will go to states , Tribal governments , and partner organizations to support the adoption and implementation of building energy codes . These codes establish energy efficiency standards for new buildings and renovations in both residential and commercial properties . They are effective in improving energy efficiency , saving money , and reducing climate impacts . To apply for this funding opportunity , applicants need to register and submit their materials through the EERE Exchange platform . They must also submit a concept paper by the due date in order to be eligible for a full application . The DOE ' s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ( EERE ) is speeding up research , development , and deployment of technologies and solutions to support President Biden ' s goal of achieving net - zero greenhouse gas emissions economy - wide by 2050 . The EERE is working to ensure that the clean energy economy benefits all Americans by creating well - paying jobs , particularly for workers and communities that have been affected by the energy transition and historically underserved by the energy system . For more information about the DOE ' s efforts in supporting building codes , you can visit the Building Energy Codes Program or read the full funding opportunity announcement . In July 2023 , the DOE gave funding to 27 projects as part of the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation program . These projects focused on activities like training workers , engaging with communities , conducting research , promoting energy equity and environmental justice , and providing support for compliance and enforcement . To be eligible for funding , applicants must have a relevant state or tribal government agency involved . The DOE will prioritize teams that have strategic partnerships with local building code agencies , codes and standards developers , or associations of builders and design and construction professionals . The projects must aim to update building codes to improve energy efficiency . More details about the criteria can be found here . This funding opportunity aligns with President Biden ' s Justice40 Initiative , which aims to ensure that 40% of the benefits from federal climate and clean energy investments go to disadvantaged communities that have been historically neglected and impacted by pollution . Energy codes for buildings also make sure that buildings are healthier , safer , and more resilient . The energy code is a really important part of the overall set of modern building codes , which include rules for fire safety , structural integrity , mechanical systems , and plumbing . These codes save lives , prevent property damage , and lower utility bills . The Department of Energy ( DOE ) is taking action today to encourage the adoption of energy codes across the country , in line with the Biden - Harris Administration ' s National Initiative to Advance Building Codes . This initiative aims to improve energy efficiency and make communities better equipped to handle extreme weather events like hurricanes , floods , and wildfires , which are becoming more severe due to climate change .
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