Buildings Blueprint (4th Quarter)

By Olivia Begalla & Elizabeth Willis

Buildings Blueprint October – December 2024
What SEEA Staff is Reading
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Energy for All Y’all shares powerful stories of communities driving energy equity in the Southeast. Discover how they’re shaping a more inclusive energy future here.
An article by the New York Times highlights a growing issue: as natural disasters grow more frequent and unpredictable, insurance companies are increasingly refusing to renew policies in high-risk areas. In the Southeast, this challenge is especially significant, with communities facing heightened vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding, and other extreme weather events. This trend leaves homeowners vulnerable and exposes significant gaps in traditional insurance coverage.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has determined that the 2024 update to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will improve energy efficiency in residential buildings. According to a technical analysis by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), homes built to meet the 2024 IECC are expected to achieve 7.80% savings in on-site energy use, 6.80% savings in overall energy use, and 6.60% savings in energy costs across the country. This determination aligns with the requirements of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA). For supporting technical analysis, previous model energy code determinations, and commercial building energy code analyses, find more here.
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Resources
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Insulation is vital for energy efficiency, comfort, and reducing costs. Curious about how insulation works, its benefits, and how it can save you money? Read our latest blog to learn more about building insulation and how it impacts your home’s performance.
SEEA staff has recently published a blog on the role of Building Performance Standards (BPS) in addressing energy efficiency and decarbonization in the built environment, with a focus on their potential impact in the Southeast. This blog will cover what Building Performance Standards (BPS) are, how they differ from traditional building codes, why they are an effective strategy for meeting energy efficiency goals, and the unique challenges of implementing them in the Southeast. Click here to read the blog and learn how BPS can transform our buildings into resilient, energy-efficient assets.
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SEEA member, Building Efficiency Resources (BER) is offering FREE training on RESNET’s National Standards for Sampled Ratings (Addendum 46), which will take effect on July 1, 2025. At that time, all Sampled Ratings projects must follow the updated procedures in MINHERS Chapter 6. With the current voluntary compliance period, this is a great opportunity to get a head start.
The training includes interactive modules and practical exercises to help you build the skills needed for success. It’s designed to support both seasoned professionals looking to stay up-to-date and newcomers eager to learn the ropes.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering with Google to help homeowners find Energy Skilled™ professionals through Google Search and Maps. This DOE designation highlights contractors with the expertise to perform high-quality energy upgrades, like home audits and heat pump installations. The initiative makes it easier for people to save money, improve home comfort, and access Inflation Reduction Act tax credits. It also supports workforce development by encouraging states to use the Energy Skilled certifications to guide funding and create approved contractor lists.
The Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) is seeking skilled energy experts to join its institute as trainers. If you excel at engaging learners, delivering effective training, and promoting courses, apply by January 31st, 2025, at 5 PM PT.
The U.S. Department of Energy has introduced new tools to help contractors easily access tax credits for energy-efficient home appliances. These tools streamline the qualification process for incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, enabling contractors to assist homeowners with energy-efficient upgrades. Over 2.3 million families have already claimed this credit, saving more than $2 billion in total. Learn more about these resources here.
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Regional News
We’re excited to highlight the Buildings UP Phase 2 winners from the Southeast and U.S. Islands region, who are leading the way in energy efficiency and sustainability. We want to congratulate Shifted Energy Inc. from Honolulu, HI, which is advancing whole-home efficiency and energy resilience in native and frontline communities. Shifted Energy will receive a $400,000 cash award and technical assistance to continue their impactful work.
Winners are eligible to advance to Phase 3, where they may receive up to $400,000 in cash prizes and technical assistance to scale energy efficiency building upgrades. Eight additional Southeast teams are competing for Phase 3, with final submissions due in July of 2025 and awardees announced soon after. ——————————————————————————————————————————
The Community Lighthouse project, a partnership between Louisiana and local organizations, was successfully tested for the first time during Hurricane Francine, marking a significant achievement. The initiative, which installs solar panels on churches and community buildings, transforms these spaces into off-grid refuge centers after storms. Outfitted with charging stations, food, water, and deployable batteries from the Footprint Project, the Lighthouses provided essential support in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. All ten Lighthouses were activated, proving the effectiveness of this solar-powered network in delivering relief during extreme weather events. This successful deployment has received national and local media attention and highlights the importance of building resilient electricity hubs to support communities in disaster-prone areas like Louisiana.
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Georgia’s Home Energy Rebates offer incentives for households to purchase and install electric appliances, insulation, air sealing, HVAC systems, and other energy-saving home improvements. Eligible households can receive up to $16,000 in savings based on income and/or expected energy savings. Through the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR), Georgians can access rebates for whole-home energy retrofits or appliance upgrades, with rebate amounts determined by energy savings and household income. Click here to learn more about how you can save on energy-efficient home upgrades and improve your home’s comfort!
SEEA is hiring for our Buildings team!
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in buildings, or building decarbonization, is an essential strategy for achieving emission reduction goals, managing housing and utility costs, and creating healthy facilities with improved indoor air quality. The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) seeks qualified candidates to change the status quo of building energy efficiency in the Southeast by planning and implementing clean energy programs and projects. These positions will cultivate expertise and resources, engage with stakeholders to understand their distinct needs and perspectives, and support processes and special projects to leverage available resources for SEEA initiatives
Buildings Program – Senior Manager
The manager / senior manager is responsible for the management, supervision, and continued development of SEEA’s portfolio of projects and programs. The position collaboratively guides individuals and teams to achieve program outcomes, engages with external stakeholders to understand their needs and provide insight on policy decisions, and leads the development and funding of new initiatives. This position will provide subject matter expertise across the organization and ensure that project goals align with SEEA’s mission and goals.
Reporting to the Director of Technology and Market Solutions, the manager / senior manager will support initiatives including, but not limited to, building energy codes, building energy efficiency programs, and workforce development efforts while contributing to SEEA’s cross-functional work. This position will build partnerships with state and local governments, nonprofits, academia, businesses, and utilities to support SEEA’s work across 12 states and five U.S. territories.
Buildings Program – Associate
This program associate will report to the built environment senior program manager to support initiatives including, but not limited to, building energy codes, building energy efficiency programs, and workforce development efforts while contributing to SEEA’s cross-functional work. This program associate will build partnerships with state and local governments, nonprofits, academia, businesses, and utilities to support SEEA’s work across 12 states and five U.S. territories.
Join us in making a lasting impact—learn more and apply today!
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