Buildings Blueprint (3rd Quarter)

By Olivia Begalla, Maggie Kelley Riggins, & Elizabeth Willis

Buildings Blueprint

Buildings Blueprint July-September 2024 

A Note From our Team – Blue 

We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricanes Francine and Helene across our region. To our friends and partners in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Louisiana – we see you, we hear you, and we are profoundly grateful that you are still with us.  To those preparing for Milton, we hope you, your families, and your community are able to stay safe this week.

As our region faces increasingly intense storms and the challenges of aging infrastructure, we understand that events like these are no longer rare. At SEEA, we remain committed to strengthening the resilience of people and communities, helping them not only to survive but to thrive after disasters. As our colleague Jackie Dadakis from Louisiana reminds us, we are in this work to “make buildings more resilient so that our people don’t have to be.”  

We are grateful to see the rapid response from emergency responders, state agencies, essential service providers, and volunteers. Below are just a few current resources to support the region. 

  • FEMA has begun taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program, which includes money for emergency housing at hotels, immediate recovery needs and more. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or to get started on an application. 
  • National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) has reputable and recommended local organizations to support and volunteer through – https://www.nvoad.org/  

For future updates, visit the FEMA website – https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene 

Welcome to SEEA’s Buildings Blueprint where we provide updates and resources on buildings and energy codes in the Southeast and U.S. Islands.   

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Regional News: 

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) is excited to announce the launch of the Building a Resilient and Efficient Southeast (BRESE) Collaborative, as part of a $90 million initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance energy codes nationwide. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this groundbreaking effort will address the Southeast’s unique climate challenges and regulatory landscape by uniting diverse stakeholders to strengthen building energy codes. Through peer-to-peer cohorts, a Community Code Innovation Prize, and targeted technical assistance, the BRESE Collaborative aims to improve energy code adoption, compliance, and efficiency—ultimately reducing emissions and energy costs across the region. 

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We are excited to announce the launch of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Codes Collaborative Fellows program! This opportunity is open to qualified professionals, and applications will be accepted until November 1, 2024. Selected fellows are expected to begin in January 2025. 

The fellows will work as contractors for the ACEEE with a budget of $160,000 allocated over two years. This budget includes up to $10,000 for travel expenses, including participation in annual in-person Codes Collaborative meetings, the Department of Energy National Energy Codes Conference, and events with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. 

Five proposed project topics are available for fellows, but applicants are also encouraged to suggest their own ideas for review by the National Energy Codes Collaborative: 

  • Career transition roadmaps 
  • Ensuring compliance with HUD/USDA minimum energy standards 
  • Community-based organization engagement 
  • Supporting energy-focused builders 
  • Labor engagement 

Check out the Fellows Program site for more information and to submit an application. 

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The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office (DOE) of State and Community Energy Programs announced its selection for Round 1 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Support for Building Energy Codes and Innovative Codes. Notably, one state within our region, Hawaii, was awarded $18.1 million to develop and adopt a building performance standard designed to reduce energy costs while also driving the creation of resources, jobs, and training in disadvantaged communities. This initiative represents a significant step forward in making energy efficiency more accessible and equitable across the state.  

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A report from the Climate Jobs National Resource Center highlights the job creation potential tied to the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) tax incentives, projecting that nearly 313,588 jobs could emerge from 1,132 clean energy projects currently in development in the Southeast. While this surge is promising, the clean energy sector faces significant challenges, including labor shortages and a lack of registered apprentices to meet growing workforce demands. The IRA’s emphasis on labor standards is essential for closing these gaps and ensuring a skilled workforce is in place to support the clean energy transition.  

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The U.S. DOE has awarded $190 million in funding through the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant to help K-12 schools enhance energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and create healthier learning environments. Initially, the 21 winners received a $300,000 cash prize, with 16 advancing to phases 2 and 3, entering cooperative agreements for additional awards ranging from $7.5 million to $15 million. This national effort will improve 320 school facilities across 25 states, benefiting over 123,500 students and 9,100 teachers while driving cost savings that can be reinvested in education. 

Prize winners in the Southeast include Broward County Public Schools (FL), Hoke County Schools (NC), and West Kentucky Educational Cooperative (KY). Selectees for cooperative agreements from the Southeast include Marion County School District (SC), Miami-Dade County Public Schools (FL), Richmond Public Schools (VA), and Rockingham County Schools (NC).  

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The State Energy Office within the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff has awarded Earth Advantage a contract to develop and implement a statewide voluntary home energy labeling program. Leveraging the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Home Energy Score™, Earth Advantage will create and manage a program aimed at educating South Carolina residents about their homes’ energy performance. This program will encourage energy-efficient upgrades, promote conservation, and facilitate transparency in real estate transactions by providing standardized energy reports. Home energy labeling is an important tool for achieving energy targets and can greatly impact real estate valuation and lending practices, increasing the value and demand for more efficient homes. “It’s encouraging to see more and more states adopting Home Energy Score to drive demand for more efficient homes,” said David Heslam, Executive Director at Earth Advantage. For more information, visit, Earth Advantage.  

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a fully Spanish version of Portfolio Manager, enabling Spanish-speaking building owners, managers, and tenants to easily measure and assess energy use, water consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions in their buildings. Users can also apply for ENERGY STAR certification and access support in Spanish, with additional resources expected in early 2025. To learn more, join the “Portfolio Manager 101 (En español)” webinar on October 20th from 1:00 to 2:15 pm.  

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Events:  

Southeast Energy Summit – November 20-22, 2024 – Nashville, TN 

Save the date! The annual Southeast Energy Summit brings together the brightest minds in the industry to connect, explore and innovate for a more energy-efficient Southeast. Join us November 20-22, 2024 in Nashville, TN to dive into dynamic discussions, celebrate regional accomplishments, and enjoy fun networking events! Some notable sessions include Revitalizing Manufactured Housing: Strategies for Enhancing Efficiency, Affordability, and Resilience, Empowering the Future: Building a Resilient Workforce for the Evolving Energy Landscape, and Show Me the Money: How to Capitalize on Federal Funds. 

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The U.S. DOE maintains a page dedicated to building events in the region, highlighting upcoming webinars and workshops. In the upcoming quarter, participants can look forward to sessions such as “Successful Strategies for Better Insulating,” “Beyond Zero Energy: Balancing Embodied Carbon and Operational Energy Solutions to Achieve Zero Emission Buildings,” and “Resources and Best Practices for Growing the Green Building Workforce.” This resource is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.  

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Mark your calendars for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, scheduled for April 30th to May 2nd, 2025 in Washington, D.C. This annual event serves as a pivotal gathering for partners and key stakeholders to explore emerging technologies and share innovative strategies in energy efficiency, decarbonization, water and waste reduction, and more. Registration opens in early December, so be sure to keep an eye on the Better Buildings website for updates! 

Buildings Blueprint (2nd Quarter)

By Olivia Begalla, Maggie Kelley Riggins, & Elizabeth Willis

Hello! Welcome to SEEA’s second edition of Buildings Blueprint where we provide updates and resources on buildings and energy codes in the Southeast and U.S. Islands. 


Regional News

The EPA has named Atlanta as one of the top five cities for Energy Star certified buildings in 2023. To earn the EPA’s Energy Star certification, the commercial building must be more energy efficient than 75% of similar buildings nationwide. The score is based on several factors such as energy use, hours of operation, and a variety of other operating characteristics. Alongside Atlanta, other southeastern cities including Miami, Charlotte, Orlando, Raleigh, and Tampa have also been named among the top 25. This achievement underscores the leadership of these Southeastern cities in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development in the region. Read more details here.  


A construction crew in Chamblee, Georgia, has completed the first passive certified house in the state. This house has been officially certified by the Passive House Institute U.S. (PHIUS), which recognizes structures that meet rigorous sustainability standards. With only one other PHIUS-certified house in the entire Southeast United States, located in Virginia, Georgia has become the second state in the region to embrace the future of green, zero-carbon building.


June 1st marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)  predicting an above-normal season for 2024. The outlook includes 17 to 25 storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of these, 8 to 13 could become hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes. This forecast is particularly significant for the Southeast United States, often in the direct path of these storms. The expected severity of this season is prompting scrutiny of a North Carolina law that froze all the state’s building codes until 2031, likely leading to increased insured losses. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offers resources for hurricane preparedness, including guidelines for fortifying homes against wind-driven rain. 


Congratulations to Maggie Kelley Riggins, SEEA’s Senior Program Manager, for receiving the Early Career Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Energy Codes from the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office! We are proud of Maggie’s impactful work on energy codes, focusing on how they affect people and her innovative contributions that bring the Southeast and US Islands to the national stage.


On April 3, 2024, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released LEED v5 for its first public comment period, providing a detailed look at the next generation of the green building program. USGBC plans to launch LEED v5 in 2025 and will update it on a five-year cycle. The new version introduces prerequisites for carbon, climate resilience, and social equity assessments on every project. Additionally, energy efficiency and carbon emissions credits have been decoupled, removing the previous single, comprehensive credit for these areas. To learn more about new pre-requisites and Special Platinum requirements, read more here


Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has awarded over $6.1 million in grants to help cities, utilities, nonprofits, and low-income residents reduce energy costs. Funded by the State Energy Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program, these grants provide financial and technical assistance to improve energy efficiency. Projects include installing energy-efficient lighting, heating, and air systems, as well as weatherizing homes with upgrades like extra insulation, sealing air leaks, repairing HVAC systems, and replacing incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency ones. “These grants will help low-income households make upgrades that will significantly reduce heating and cooling bills,” said Gov. Ivey. Read about the grant recipients here


Funding

The second round of the IRA funded Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption FOA is now open! This funding opportunity aims to support qualifying organizations to adopt the most current national model building energy codes, zero energy codes, and other codes that deliver equivalent or greater energy savings. The initiative includes an innovative approach to decarbonize existing buildings with specific, measurable, and enforceable requirements. Complete Applications for Round 2 are due September 13, 2024. Questions regarding the FOA can be submitted to [email protected]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the final winning teams in the Collegiate Track of the American-Made Community Energy Innovation Prize. The three winning student-led teams were awarded $100,000 in the IMPACT Phase for demonstrating measurable impacts of clean energy in underserved communities. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to build trust and support clean energy transitions in underserved areas. One of the winning teams, the Georgia Tech Zero Energy Collaborations (GTZEC) from Atlanta, GA, represents our Southeast region. They designed sustainable net-zero homes and developed a green workforce in Westside Atlanta. 


Collaboration Opportunities

SEEA is seeking proposals for single-family residential building energy code field studies in Louisiana and Georgia. Our goal is to identify gaps between current construction practices and full compliance with each state’s residential energy code.

This vital work will help us develop targeted training and technical assistance, boosting energy efficiency and compliance in both states’ residential construction sectors.

Key Details:

  • Indicate intent to bid: [email protected]
  • RFP open from July 8th – August 12th, 2024
  • Virtual Bidders’ Conference: July 16th, 2-3 PM EST

For more information about the RFP application, click on the links below.

SEEA Field Study Page    

Virtual Bidders’ Conference Registration

Louisiana RFP

Georgia RFP


The National Energy Codes Collaborative is a nationwide network empowering states and jurisdictions to implement updated building energy codes. Through technical assistance, capacity building programs, and community engagement, this collaborative engages with stakeholders from the local to the national level and working to bridge the gaps between communities and state and local agencies. Click here, to learn more about the Codes Collaborative programs and resources that can support your community’s goals to advance energy codes, reduce environmental impact, and promote equity and workforce development. 

After successfully launching six technical advisory groups (TAGs) at the Kickoff meeting in May, the National Energy Codes Collaborative is excited to announce that the first virtual TAG meetings will commence this summer.  

The TAGs facilitate topic-based working groups that provide technical assistance to Codes Collaborative members and affiliates between meetings. The end goal is to produce a publicly- available resource aimed at helping states and jurisdictions to effectively and sustainably implement energy codes. 

The National Energy Codes Collaborative needs your experience and perspective in these conversations to ensure the resulting resources are as comprehensive, practical, and useful as possible! Sign up to receive updates and don’t miss an opportunity to participate! 


Research on Equity and Energy Codes

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is conducting research to understand stakeholder perceptions of factors impacting the equitable adoption, enforcement, and compliance of building energy codes in the United States. As part of this research, PNNL staff will conduct interviews with diverse stakeholders and interest groups to learn how local energy code practices have impacted their communities.

Please fill out this questionnaire if you are interested in participating. If selected, interviews will be conducted over a Teams/Zoom call and will be less than an hour long. Participants will be compensated for their time.


What SEEA Staff is Reading

In April, the U.S. Department of Energy released “Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050”, a comprehensive strategy to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Notably, the plan places a significant focus on the building sector, acknowledging its substantial role in accounting for 74% of U.S. electricity consumption. The blueprint outlines four strategic objectives crucial for effective decarbonization: Increasing building energy efficiency, accelerating on-site emissions reductions, transforming the grid edge, and minimizing embodied life cycle emissions.  


Resources

Enhance your skills with AESP’s premium online courses through FLEX! Delve into demand flexibility, exploring connected water heaters, lighting, HVAC systems, and distributed energy resources such as solar and EVSE. Thanks to the U.S. Department of Energy, this opportunity is free, convenient, and designed for future energy efficiency leaders. We’re proud to be a partner in this initiative, offering access to cutting-edge knowledge and resources.  


Events

Inclusive Energy Codes: Bridging the Gap to Achieve Equity and Environmental JusticeJuly 18, 2024 – DOE BECP Webinar

The DOE Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) offers regular webinars on the third Thursday of every month at 1 pm EST. Continuing Education Credits (AIA and ICC) are offered for a majority of the webinars. Join our Senior Program Manager, Maggie Kelley Riggins on July 18th, 2024, from 1:00-2:30pm ET for an informative session titled, “Inclusive Energy Codes: Bridging the Gap to Achieve Equity and Environmental Justice”. Find more information here

ACEEE Buildings Summer Study August 4-9, 2024 – Pacific Grove, California

The 2024 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, hosted by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, will take place this August in California! Summer Study brings together professionals from around the globe to the Asilomar Conference Grounds to collaborate, debate, and advance the technologies, practices, and research necessary to equitably decarbonize the building sector in a manner that addresses the urgency of the climate crisis. This year, the theme is Equity and Climate Action: Time to Deliver, highlighting the immediate need for action that creates equitable climate solutions.  

Registration & Hotel Information

Southeast Energy SummitNovember 20-22, 2024 – Nashville, TN

Save the date! The annual Southeast Energy Summit brings together the brightest minds in the industry to connect, explore and innovate for a more energy-efficient Southeast. Join us November 20-22, 2024 in Nashville, TN to dive into dynamic discussions, celebrate regional accomplishments, and enjoy fun networking events! More details coming soon!


Publications

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building, which is highly energy-efficient, does not emit greenhouse gases directly from energy use, and is powered solely by clean energy. These standardized and measurable criteria will help the building sector move toward zero emissions and support climate goals in both the public and private sectors. While not a regulatory standard, this definition provides guidance for determining if a building has zero emissions from operational energy use. Future updates may address emissions from building materials, refrigerant impacts, and other considerations. 

National Emissions Standards: Unleashing Health & Economic Potential for the Southeast (Justin Brightharp, Senior Program Manager) This brief examines the impact of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new emissions standards for vehicles from 2027 to 2032. The Southeast, with its significant investments in electric vehicle manufacturing, stands to gain economically through job creation and improved public health. Federal incentives further support this transition, promising substantial regional advantages.  

SEEA recently re-launched the “Energy Insecurity in the Southeast” StoryMap. This innovative digital resource delves into the complex issue of energy insecurity, which is prevalent in the Southeast. In this region, one in three households experience or have experienced energy insecurity, particularly low-income households and people of color. The new version includes a broader conceptual framework integrating the most recent data while offering insights into the roots of energy insecurity in the Southeast.  


Thank you for reading! We hope that you enjoyed the Buildings Blueprint and that this information helps you in your work to increase equitable access to energy in buildings in our region (and beyond!).


Have questions or want to collaborate with SEEA staff? Want something shared in our next Buildings Blueprint?

Contact the Buildings Team


Subscribe to the building’s newsletter here.

Buildings Blueprint (1st Quarter)

By Olivia Begalla & Maggie Kelley Riggins

Hello! Welcome to SEEA’s inaugural issue of Buildings Blueprint, the latest quarterly newsletter dedicated to the building industry community. This publication is your guide to the ever-evolving landscape of buildings and energy codes in the Southeast and the U.S. islands, offering updates and resources to empower built environment professionals to excel in their roles.

Energy Code Updates

Legislation has been filed in South Carolina to update the commercial building energy code from the 2009 IECC to the 2021 IECC, standing to save over $900k in energy costs in the first year. SEEA is actively completing a residential energy code field study in the state to inform stakeholders and decision-makers with on-the-ground data for a residential energy code update in the future.

On January 18th, 2024, Virginia officially adopted the 2021 editions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the Industrialized Building Safety Regulations, and the Amusement Device Regulations. The updates include an array of energy efficiency enhancements, including Virigina-specific HVAC sizing, fenestration and wall insulation, and ventilation. The state board was directed in January to reduce regulations by 25%; however, industry stakeholders made public comments to the Virginia Housing and Community Development Board to ensure the stakeholder-developed codes stayed intact after a two-year process. To view the 2021 regulations, click here.  

Florida officially adopted the eighth edition of the Commercial and Residential Florida Building Code, which became effective on December 31st, 2023. The updated edition includes changes to commercial envelope insulation and testing, commercial minimum efficiency HVAC requirements, residential performance-based compliance, and more. To view a list of Florida building code resources, click here.  

For more energy code information, check out energycodes.gov.

Training & Education

Building a more energy-efficient workforce? The Louisiana Housing Corporation’s (LHC) state-of-the-art Weatherization Training Center in Baton Rouge offers a variety of weatherization courses and is a BPI Testing Center and IREC Accredited Provider. Experiential courses include classroom and hands-on training in all aspects of residential weatherization, including combustion safety testing with live gas appliances, insulation and airsealing, and energy auditor protocols. The center can train up to 30 people at a time, offer classroom and specialized field training, and provide training for administrative personnel. Take a virtual tour of the center today!


The U.S. Department of Energy Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) has launched a free resource hub to support training and education for various building energy code-related topics. This central platform is designed to assist stakeholders in adopting, implementing, and complying with building energy codes. The hub contains various training resources, including webinars, presentations, and software, all created to advance energy code education. 

Check out the Clean Energy Clearinghouse, which has free educational resources and CEU-bearing courses for all clean energy stakeholders – including authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), fire departments, clean energy contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, electric utilities, building owners, facility managers, and others— to benefit from current and timely information related to renewable energy developments.

Regional Investment

Energy Code Funding

In July 2023, SEEA was awarded three Resilient Energy Codes Implementation grants from the Department of Energy, totaling $4.7 million to support healthier, more efficient housing in the region. As of January 2024, all three of these energy code projects are underway.

Securing Code Advancements in Louisiana

In collaboration with the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshall, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, American Institute of Architects Louisiana, Green Coast Enterprises, University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and the International Code Council, SEEA is providing training and technical assistance on the most recent residential and commercial energy code updates to the building energy workforce in Louisiana. Implementing an updated energy code supports a stronger, more diverse workforce and lays the foundation for future funding applications. Residents in Louisiana are estimated to save 1.026 MMT of CO2 over five years, equivalent to removing 45,663 gasoline-powered cars from the road over the same period, by adopting and implementing the new energy code.

Georgia Residential Field Studies: Single and Multifamily

SEEA is working with state leaders, including the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, Built Environment LLC, Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association, Georgia Power Company, Oglethorpe Power Company, Conditioned Air Association of Georgia, and ECO-Action to conduct single-family and multifamily energy code compliance studies. This is the first multifamily energy code compliance study in the Southeast. These studies will prepare the Georgia homebuilding industry for an advanced energy code adoption process and identify energy code training and education gaps. Meeting updated energy code standards for new construction and major renovations will help Georgia residents save an estimated $ 210 million in energy costs over five years.

Closing Equity Gaps to Advance Codes and Standards

With our partners, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the City of Atlanta, the City of Savannah, and the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, SEEA seeks to understand and repair the impacts of historical disinvestment in the equitable implementation of building performance standards. The group is developing novel data tools to account for the financial and social costs of inequitable standards, calculate the investment needed to build equitably improve building performance, and develop and deploy a replicable policy and program community toolkit. The team is piloting this approach in Atlanta and Savannah, partnering with civic and community leaders, including those from disinvested areas, small business owners and staff, residential renters, and homeowners. The project team estimates $1.6 billion in energy cost savings over five years.

Buildings UP Southeast Regional Navigator  

In August of last year, SEEA began supporting the U.S. Department of Energy in the implementation of its first-ever Buildings Upgrade Prize (Buildings UP). The goal of Buildings UP is to quickly and equitably upgrade existing residential and commercial buildings across the country to provide cleaner, more efficient, and affordable energy to occupants while providing project teams with a robust network of technical assistance support to ensure success. SEEA serves as a regional navigator and technical assistance provider, guiding 10 out of the 45 nationally awarded teams, whose pilot initiative(s) will be implemented in existing buildings in the Southeast region and U.S. Island territories. All 10 SEEA teams are in the equity-centered innovation prize pathway, which goes even more in-depth to engage the community and consider potential impacts, also covering 75% of upgrade costs. 

  • Appalachian Voices– (Project state: VA) – Appalachian Voices will build off their solar initiatives to deploy electrification technologies in community anchor buildings across Virginia’s coal communities and build a network of resilience hubs throughout the flood-impacted region.
  • Community Housing Partners– (Project state: VA) Community Housing Partners are prioritizing decarbonization strategies in rural, mission-driven, multifamily communities in Virginia that don’t generate the revenue needed for capital reinvestment.
  • Green The Church– (Project states: CA, FL) – Green the Church plans to implement building energy upgrades for Black Churches, initially piloting in West Oakland, California’s economically disadvantaged and historically segregated communities, followed by 15 additional upgrades in EJ communities across FL, GA, LA, and TX.
  • Groundswell– (Project states: GA, AL) Groundswell will develop the plan and partnerships needed to expand and scale their Save on Utilities Long-term program (SOUL), which delivers energy efficiency upgrades and improves housing equity in disadvantaged, rural areas.  
  • Hijra House- (Project state: MS) The Hijra House Just Energy Initiative (JEI) engages underserved areas across nine Southern Mississippi counties, offering an innovative model for accelerating building upgrades, economic development, and local health goals.  
  • Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (LMG) – (Project state: KY) The Louisville team will be building on their successful Communities Local Energy Action Plan (C-LEAP) to achieve just clean energy transition in their affordable housing sector.  
  • New North Carolina Project- (Project state: NC) The New North Carolina project will develop a cohort model that builds a collaborative approach to support residential communities to receive building upgrades.  
  • Shifted Energy– (Project state: HI) Shifted Energy works in Hawaii’s tribal lands to support equitable energy and resiliency solutions for underserved indigenous communities.
  • Together New Orleans– (Project state: LA) Together New Orleans will develop 74 resilience hubs in underserved nonprofit houses of worship in New Orleans, Louisiana, by weatherizing buildings, increasing energy savings, and utilizing solar power.
  • West Anniston Foundation– (Project state: AL) The West Anniston project will provide building upgrades through building assessments and installation of heat pumps, health and safety, and energy efficient measures in environmental justice communities in West Anniston, Alabama.  

Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced its list of 25 U.S. cities receiving direct investment to leverage and implement federal funds to advance local projects. Of the 25 selected cities, 12 are in SEEA’s region and have the opportunity to develop affordable energy-efficient housing and increase equitable access to clean energy, among other initiatives.

  • Birmingham, AL
  • Montgomery, AL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Savannah, GA
  • Jackson, MS
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Memphis, TN
  • Nashville, TN
  • Hampton, VA
  • Newport News, VA

Funding

Concept papers for the Resilient Energy Codes Implementation Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) —Round 2— are due April 5th, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET.  This initiative is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America campaign. It allocates $90 million to states, local governments, and tribes to support adopting and implementing modern building codes and develop related technical assistance. Applications can be submitted here.  

Full applications for the competitive IRA Buildings Code FOA issued by The Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) are due April 30th, 2024. Funded by Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the initiative aims to provide up to $1 billion to states and local governments to adopt the latest model energy codes, zero energy codes, or building performance standards. Applications can be submitted here.  

Applications for DOE’s 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize are open. The second round of this funding will award up to $180 million to school districts across the country to implement upgrades, build partnerships, and build capacity. Applications are due Thursday, June 13th, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET. More information can be found here.

Events

National Energy Codes ConferenceMay 6-8, 2024 – Sacramento, California

Join SEEA staff at the National Energy Codes Conference this May in California! This national conference will have training, engaging sessions, and networking opportunities and is designed for energy code users and participants of all types. Building officials, builders, state energy offices, trade associations, energy efficiency organizations, architects, engineers, policymakers, manufacturers, utilities, code administrators, educators, researchers, and more are all encouraged to attend!

Registration & Hotel Information

Getting to Zero ForumMay 21-23, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Early registration is now open for the Getting to Zero Forum in Charlotte, NC, this May! This forum brings together industry leaders and experts to discuss the best approaches to reducing energy demand and advancing decarbonization through policies, programs, and projects. With an anticipated attendance of over 600 leading policy makers, designers, building owners, systems manufacturers, and commercial real estate professionals, participants will explore transformative opportunities for achieving zero energy and carbon in the built environment.

Registration & Hotel Information  

ACEEE Buildings Summer Study August 4-9, 2024 – Pacific Grove, California

The 2024 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, hosted by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, will take place this August in California! Summer Study brings together professionals from around the globe to the Asilomar Conference Grounds to collaborate, debate, and advance the technologies, practices, and research necessary to equitably decarbonize the building sector in a manner that addresses the urgency of the climate crisis. This year, the theme is Equity and Climate Action: Time to Deliver, highlighting the immediate need for action that creates equitable climate solutions.  

Registration & Hotel Information  

Southeast Energy SummitNovember 20-22, 2024 – Nashville, TN

Save the date! The annual Southeast Energy Summit brings together the brightest minds in the industry to connect, explore and innovate for a more energy-efficient Southeast. Join us November 20-22, 2024 in Nashville, TN to dive into dynamic discussions, celebrate regional accomplishments, and enjoy fun networking events! More details coming soon!

Publications

Increasing Equitable Access to Heat Pump Water Heaters (Maggie Kelley Riggins, senior program manager) – This whitepaper, published in March 2024 by the Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI) examines programs across the nation that are working to expand equitable access to heat pump water heaters.

Federal Funding Investment in the Southeast and the U.S. Territories (Grace Parker, research associate) – This collection of white papers and accompanying dashboards provide insight into the purpose, location, and type of funding invested in the Southeast from the $550 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Read more here.

Thank you for reading! We hope that you enjoyed the Buildings Blueprint and that this information helps you in your work to increase equitable access to energy in buildings in our region (and beyond!).

Sincerely,

Maggie Kelley Riggins, SEEA

Senior Program Manager

Have questions or want to collaborate with SEEA staff? Want something shared in our next Buildings Blueprint?

Contact the Buildings Team

Subscribe to the building’s newsletter here.