Building Efficiency
Buildings consume more energy than any other sector of the U.S. economy—including transportation and industry. Using applied building science, our team assists the construction industry, code officials, facility managers, and homeowners to improve building efficiency for both new and existing buildings in Washington.
Our Building Efficiency Work
Community Energy Efficiency Program
This statewide program, created by the Washington State Legislature and implemented in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, distributes state funding to community partners, who in turn provide incentives to support energy-efficient retrofits and upgrades.
Emerging Technologies Research
Our team assists Bonneville Power Administration’s Emerging Technology program to assess innovative, energy-efficient technologies that could save electric energy but lack a foothold in the Northwest marketplace.
Energy Code Technical Support and Education
Our Energy Codes team provides support through online and in-person trainings, a hotline, and other venues, to help code officials, general and trade contractors, facility managers, homeowners, manufacturers, and the construction industry at large improve building efficiency and comply with the residential sections of the Washington State Energy Code. In addition, a grant from the Washington State Legislature is supporting our team in analyzing and providing examples for cost-effective, up-front strategies to meet State Energy Code compliance. A related report is forthcoming.
Resource Conservation Management
Our Resource Conservation Manager (RCM) program promoted and supported energy efficiency at public and government facilities. While the program is not currently active, many of our resources are still relevant.