DOE Comes Up with Energy Standards for Federal Buildings

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to implement energy standards for new federal buildings and those with retrofits starting next year. The upcoming rules will help save taxpayer dollars and set an example for others to incorporate sustainable goals in their operation strategies.

The standards require new and updated buildings to comply with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code from next year in 2023, starting in April. They also need to meet the 2019 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 90.1 building energy codes.

According to DOE, the measures will help save $4.2 million in operating costs in the first year, and the proposed changes will save more than $15 billion in energy costs over the next 30 years. The measures will also boost the US infrastructure law, including $225 million for state and local implementation of energy codes.

The standards came following the US government's decision to enhance energy efficiency and carbon-neutral goals to save the earth from imminent climate catastrophe in the future. Last year, the Biden administration signed an order to make the federal government carbon neutral by 2050, including targets to make federal buildings net-zero by 2045.

The DOE has proposed requirements for residential room air conditioners and pool heaters, besides the new federal construction standards. The DOE will accept comments for 60 days and schedule a public conference to gather input from industry and energy efficiency stakeholders on the proposed modifications.