Adam RollinsThis story was originally published in the Government Contracting Pipeline newsletter from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. To have the latest government contracting news stories from across the country delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will award $90 million in competitive grants to assist states, cities, tribal nations and their partners in updating energy codes for residential and commercial buildings.
The awarded projects are a part of the $225 million Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) Initiative, which focuses on enhancing compliances with modern energy standards and climate change goals.
The projects selected for funding represent the second round of RECI grants and will address a diverse range of activities designed to bolster national energy code compliance, including workforce development, community engagement and research.
The funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, lowering utility bills and advancing climate change action nationwide.
Notable projects receiving funds include:
- Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations (National) – $7.5 million for regional networks to support the adoption and implementation of energy codes and building performance standards across the U.S.
- Institute for Market Transformation (District of Columbia) – $5.5 million to advance equitable building performance standards through standardized compliance pathways and tailored technical assistance in jurisdictions.
- Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (Chicago, Illinois) – $4.8 million to collaborate with communities in home-rule states and tribal nations, focusing on local needs and resources for energy code advancement. The project will build support networks and develop tools, resources and workforce opportunities to aid the advancement and implementation of energy codes in Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
- California Energy Commission – $4 million to create a network of credentialed energy code experts to assist local governments and the construction industry during the permit application process.
- Karpman Consulting (Marlborough, Connecticut) – $4 million to streamline commercial energy code review through automated processes and performance-based approaches.
The DOE has more information and resources about the first round and this round selectees on their website.
Photo courtesy Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
