Tag: building decarbonization

Leveraging Data for ESG Success: Critical Steps Toward Net-Zero Emissions

In 2022, the Biden administration announced the first Federal Building Performance Standard, a set of steps aimed at reducing energy consumption and electrifying equipment and appliances in federal buildings by 2030. While this plan represents significant strides toward sustainability, the path to carbon neutrality remains less defined. As climate change drives devastating global risks, including […]

GSA Signs Historic Energy Contract for Federal Facilities

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a historic long-term purchase of electricity, including carbon-pollution-free electricity (CFE), from Constellation New Energy Inc. The deal marks the GSA’s first long-term, multi-agency purchase of electricity and aims to increase resilience and reliability for federal agencies while protecting against price increases. With a focus on new nuclear power, […]

Survey: Corporate Execs Prioritize Building Decarbonization

Sustainability is rising to the top of U.S. corporate agendas, with building decarbonization emerging as a critical focus for the years ahead, according to a new survey conducted by Carrier Global Corp. The survey found that 83% of U.S. C-suite executives responding to the survey plan to increase sustainability spending over the next two years, with 57% […]

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Plan to Decarbonize Buildings in America

As a nation, our buildings will play a pivotal role in achieving our clean energy future. Buildings are where we live, work, and play—so it makes sense that we spend 90% of our time in buildings and that our buildings use a substantial amount of energy. Residential and commercial buildings are among the largest sources […]

Decarbonization Strategies for the Whole Building Life Cycle

As climate change reshapes our world, the demand for environmentally responsible building practices has never been more urgent, especially given that the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry contributes more than 37% of global carbon emissions. A new focus on sustainable construction is emerging, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of embodied carbon. […]

GSA Seeks Innovative Green Tech to Test in Federal Buildings

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announced a new request for information (RFI) focused on enabling energy efficiency and decarbonization in commercial buildings, contributing to a more efficient electric infrastructure and improving resiliency and occupant health. This latest RFI comes shortly after the GSA selected 17 emerging […]

State, Local Governments Receive Grants for Clean Energy Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $18.5 million awarded to four states and 20 local governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Applications remain open for future rounds of funding. Governments receiving awards will use program funds to conduct energy assessments and efficiency upgrades at community centers and schools, install solar […]

Expert Q&A: What Will It Take to Make Net-Zero Buildings a Reality?

Did you know buildings account for a whopping 37% of all carbon emissions in the world? In order to combat climate change, countries have set a global goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and in order to help save money and the planet, corporations and other organizations have set sustainability targets of their own. […]

Energy Group Slams International Code Council Over Model Building Rules

On March 18, the International Code Council’s (ICC) board of directors made determinations on a series of appeals to the draft 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), thus finalizing the latest model code that sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for new commercial and residential buildings. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit […]

Study: Geothermal Heat Pumps Represent Major Opportunity for U.S. Building Decarbonization

A new analysis from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that, coupled with building envelope improvements, installing geothermal heat pumps in around 70% of U.S. buildings could save as much as 593 terawatt-hours of electricity generation annually and avoid seven gigatons of carbon-equivalent emissions by 2050. “To put that in context, 593 terawatt-hours is about 15% […]