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Game-changing model code for existing buildings is available
New Buildings Institute (NBI) has released the Existing Building Decarbonization Code, a new way for jurisdictions to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate action plan goals and interconnected goals around public health and equity. The need to address existing building stock is immense, with 5.9 million existing commercial buildings in the U.S. comprising 97 billion square feet.
NBI’s release of the BuildingDecarbonization Code in early 2020 provided the first off-the-shelf solution for jurisdictions to transform energy codes into decarbonization codes for new buildings. Expanding where that document left off, the Existing Building Decarbonization Code adds provisions specifically for existing buildings and is an overlay to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
The new model language covers both residential and commercial buildings, including all-electric and mix-fuel energy use pathways.
Deadline: public comments on commerical 2024 IECC are due 10/21
With just three code development cycles until 2030, when experts say all U.S. new construction must be climate optimized to meet the Paris Accord goals, the provisions adopted into the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are critical to achieve the model code we need to carry us into the next decade. Because of the potential impact of the code and the changes in process, this review period presents a crucial moment for engagement from those who will adopt, implement, and verify compliance with the next code.
Interested stakeholders have until Friday, October 21 to weigh in on the specific language related to the commerical buildings. To support the 2024 IECC commenting process, NBI has developed a number of resources including information on how to use the cdpACCESS process, key proposals to consider, and ways to engage in the commenting process.
World's first "GridOptimal" building is Sonoma Clean Power's headquarters
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) recently unveiled its new all-electric headquarters which features an innovative microgrid and goes far beyond "net zero energy" standards by reducing greenhouse gas emissions on California’s electric grid. The two-year renovation transformed a 1979 structure, located in Santa Rosa, into the world's first GridOptimal® building that enables and accelerates decarbonization of the grid. Unlike traditional net zero energy buildings, controls at SCP's headquarters consider when it produces and uses power. The GridOptimal® Buildings Initiative, a joint program of the NBI and the U.S. Green Building Council, redefines how building design and operations can cost-effectively support decarbonization of the power grid and a fully renewable electricity supply. SCP's new headquarters is the first completed pilot projects using GridOptimal metrics. Image: SCP Headquarters
NBI is proud to announce that Director of Building Innovation Smita Gupta has been appointed as a detailee to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)! CEQ is part of the Executive Office of the President and was created in 1969 as part of the National Environmental Policy Act. The Council is responsible for developing policies around the issues related to climate change including environmental justice, federal sustainability, and preservation of resources such as public lands, oceans, and wildlife. In her position as Director for Federal Facility Decarbonization, Smita is co-leading coordination, planning, and implementation activities, and advancing sustainability across the Federal building portfolio.
Net ZeroBuildings Week brings together partners, spreads the word about net zero resources
During the second Net Zero Buildings Week in June over 250 partners shared stories, building project examples, and resources about net zero energy and carbon neutral buildings on social media. This year’s theme, Net Zero Heroes, worked to elevate the stories of the people behind these commercial and residential buildings. Organizations around the world used the hashtag #NetZeroNow on social media to connect and share resources, as well as some truly remarkable buildings. Overall, the effort reached 20 million impressions across social media platforms.
Advancing efficient and healthy schools through national campaign of support and recognition program
Efficient and Healthy Schools is a national program focused on practical solutions to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, resulting in cost savings and healthier schools for students. This campaign is led by the U.S. Department of Energy with technical support from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Schools—especially those serving low-income student populations—are encouraged to participate for free access to expert staff who are ready to answer questions, identify funding opportunities, find technical resources, and help set goals. The campaign encourages peer-to-peer learning among participants and exemplary schools are highlighted through a recognition program.
The 2022-23 recognition campagn is kicking off to showcase top participating schools or districts for implementing or planning activities in the categories of Energy Efficiency Plus Health and Emissions Reduction and Resilience. To learn more about the Efficient and Healthy Schools campaign and recognition program, join us for an upcoming webinar:
Efficient and Healthy Schools Campaign Recognition Kick Off Webinar
Cutting-edge all-electric buildings sought for annual awards in San Mateo County, Los Banos, California
Peninsula Clean Energy launched this month the call for entries for its third-annual joint awards program spotlighting all-electric commercial and residential innovation. The All-Electric Leadership Awards and Directory invites designers, builders, developers and owners of all-electric, high performance residential and commercial buildings in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos to submit projects for awards. Award winners will receive a $2,000 cash prize, customized plaque, and will be given the opportunity to highlight their work during the All-Electric Building Leadership event next spring. NBI and Gelfand Partners are administering the awards.
The deadline for 2023 award submissions is November 18, 2022.
#HeatPumpItUp on Heat Pump Water Heater Day Oct. 26
On Oct. 26, join us on social media for an entire day dedicated to heat pump water heater (HPWH) education and awareness. Advanced Water Heating Initiative partners will kick off the first-ever Heat Pump Water Heater Day to spotlight this important technology that holds enormous potential to reduce carbon emissions while saving energy and money. Using the hashtag #HeatPumpItUp on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, share your HPWH resources, products, cost information, professional practices, projects, and insights. We will be providing templates and other support to help participants with sharing on social media.
At 12 noon (Pacific) on Oct. 26, join a Linked In Live event where major manufacturers of ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters will share information on these products, how they work, and save consumers money.
In honor of NBI's 25th Anniversary: The future we seek
For more than 25 years, NBI has worked collaboratively with industry market actors to promote advanced design practices, innovative technologies, public policies, and programs that improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from the built environment. As we look toward the future, we’re squarely focused on ensuring buildings play a key role in keeping global temperature rise to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2030. For NBI, equitable, clean, and resilient buildings and communities are part of a critical path for addressing climate change. We have our work cut out for us. But looking back on the progress we have made alongside our partners and clients over the last 25 years gives us optimism for the future.
NBI’s growth continues with the addition of two staff members! Welcome to Kevin Berry, pictured to the right, who joins the team as Business Development Manager, and Kyle Pickett, a new Director for the Leadership and Market Development Program. Kyle provided his perspective on NBI, joining the team, and some industry trends to watch for in a Q&A interview.
Kim Cheslak was awarded the International Codes Council’sNational Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award at their recent annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, last month. She was recognized for outstanding contributions to the growth and enhancement of codes or public policy espousing the principles of the Code Council Sustainability Membership Council. Read more
NBI staff contributed papers, posters, and discussion at the 2022 ACEEE Summer Study. Access the papers
Forty-five organizations welcomed historic climate investments as a turning point to combat climate change and build clean energy future. The group hailed passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates will invest $369 billion into combating climate change and bolstering U.S. clean energy production.
“Our groups celebrate the climate investments in the act, commend the Biden administration and Congress for their leadership, and call for additional measures to protect frontline communities.” Read more
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