The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken another significant step toward a more sustainable future with the latest announcement of $90 million in competitive awards. This funding will support 25 projects designed to help state, local, and tribal governments adopt modern energy codes and bring their building practices up to speed with the latest standards. The ultimate goal? Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy bills, and create a safer environment for residents.
Jeremy Williams, a program manager at the DOE’s Building Technologies Office, noted that this round of funding will target key areas that face challenges in energy code implementation, such as workforce shortages and adapting codes to fit regional needs. Williams emphasized that states with booming construction industries, like Texas, are especially in focus for this funding effort.
Driving Efficiency for a Climate-Resilient Future
Energy codes are not just about meeting regulations—they are about creating buildings that are equipped to handle the changing climate and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The Biden administration has placed great emphasis on the role that building codes play in its broader climate change strategy, recognizing their importance in reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment.
The DOE’s latest initiative builds on earlier efforts from April 2024, where the agency introduced recommendations for decarbonizing the building sector. The department’s vision is clear: modernized local energy codes are crucial to achieving climate resilience. As we look toward a future with unpredictable weather patterns, buildings that adhere to updated codes will not only emit less carbon but also provide safer shelter during power outages caused by extreme heat or cold. Recent events, such as Houston’s experience during Hurricane Beryl, demonstrate the need for buildings to be better equipped for such conditions.
Balancing Costs with Long-Term Benefits
Although the benefits of modern energy codes are clear, compliance can come with increased upfront costs—a concern often raised by industry stakeholders. It’s understandable that some builders push back, as constructing in line with these newer standards can initially be more expensive. However, as Williams pointed out, these costs are often offset by the significant energy savings for building occupants over the long term.
Another challenge is finding the skilled professionals necessary to enforce these codes. Municipalities, particularly in rural areas, frequently struggle to recruit and retain building code officials, a role that is becoming more critical as energy standards evolve. This shortage is exacerbated by an aging workforce, with fewer young professionals entering the field to replace those nearing retirement.
A Targeted Approach for High-Impact Regions
The DOE’s $90 million funding is part of the larger $225 million Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation initiative, launched under the 2021 infrastructure law. This year’s awards are designed to focus on rural communities, tribal nations, and high-impact states with large construction volumes but lagging energy code adoption, such as those in the Sun Belt.
This round also emphasizes the growing relationship between building performance standards and utility data. Ram Narayanamurthy, Deputy Director of the DOE’s Building Technologies Office, highlighted the importance of utility meter data in evaluating the real-world impact of updated energy codes. “Utility data gives us the information we need to validate whether these standards are truly delivering the expected energy savings,” Narayanamurthy explained.
This data not only measures performance but also helps refine future policies. States and local governments can better assess how well their energy codes are working, providing a feedback loop that ensures ongoing improvement.
Diverse Approaches to Modernization
Awardees across the country are taking varied approaches to use their allocated funding. For example, the National Association of State Energy Officials plans to pilot a method for assessing the resilience benefits of energy codes in Arizona and Florida. The organization aims to establish a replicable model that can be applied nationwide, helping other states evaluate the effectiveness of their codes.
Meanwhile, the Portland-based nonprofit New Buildings Institute will focus on bringing Texas and Oklahoma up to speed with the latest energy codes. Texas, which has seen more homes built in recent years than any other state, stands to benefit significantly from this effort.
In California, the Energy Commission is using its slice of funding to develop a network of certified energy code experts who will assist local governments and construction professionals during the permitting and plan review phases. This initiative will ensure smoother compliance with updated standards and streamline the often complex process of meeting energy efficiency requirements.
Looking Forward: A Brighter, More Efficient Future
As building energy codes continue to evolve, the DOE’s efforts underscore the importance of staying ahead of the curve. These new codes not only address the pressing issue of climate change but also pave the way for more efficient and resilient buildings across the country. By supporting innovative approaches and providing critical funding, the DOE is helping ensure that the construction industry is equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
This latest round of funding reinforces a commitment to sustainability, resilience, and long-term savings. For construction professionals, the message is clear: modernization of energy codes isn’t just a regulatory box to tick—it’s a strategic investment in the future. The DOE’s continued push for stronger codes and better compliance systems will help ensure that buildings are not only greener but also safer, more comfortable, and more affordable for everyone.
Sources: www.constructiondive.com, www.agc.org, www.enr.com, www.bls.gov, www.yahoo.com/news, www.thedefensepost.com
