US Government invests US$90m into building energy codes

Furthering President Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda, the Department of Energy (DOE) will invest US$90m in competitive awards to help states, cities, tribes, and partnering organisations implement updated energy codes for buildings. 

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the awards will support 27 projects across 26 states and the District of Columbia to ensure that buildings meet the latest standards for energy efficiency. 

Lowering costs for Americans and CO2 emissions

With this investment, the DOE will assist in the delivery of technical assistance for updating state and local business codes to save US$138bn for Americans and reduce 900 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2040. 

The benefits of modernising energy codes

Modernising energy codes are a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and make communities more resilient to extreme weather conditions. This will be key to addressing the climate crisis and achieving the President's ambitious clean energy goals. 

“Cutting emissions from buildings across America and ensuring they’re more energy efficient are critical components of President Biden’s plan to tackle the climate crisis and create cleaner and healthier communities. With unprecedented support from the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Department is providing new funding to help cities and states modernize their building codes — lowering energy costs for American families and businesses while improving public health,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. 

America’s commercial and residential buildings 

Homes built under today’s energy codes are 40% more efficient than those built 15 years ago, which not only reduces energy costs for the homeowner but substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering builder risk. 

“Today, America’s 130 million commercial and residential buildings are responsible for 35% of the nation’s total carbon emissions. Energy codes establish minimum standards for energy efficiency in new and renovated buildings and help ensure they are healthier, safer, and more resilient,” stated the DOE.