Atlas Buildings Hub

Maximizing Municipal Energy Strategies
2024-04-03 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The U.S. Department of Energy State and Community Programs (SCEP) office is launching a new educational webinar series focused on Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) in the non-federal sector. The next webinar in this series, “Maximizing Municipal Energy Strategies” is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8th 11:00 am PDT and will feature an interview with Lindsay Hawes, Municipal Energy Program Manager at City of San Diego. Lindsay will share how she is navigating the challenges of implementing a new ESPC strategy that promises to address the modernization needs and decarbonization efforts of municipal government.
Attendees will also learn how eProject eXpress (ePX) makes it easy for project owners and their ESCOs to manage project documents, track data, and report on project achievements. All municipal stakeholders, including leadership, sustainability, finance, legal and facility staff are welcome!

Decarbonizing Residential Space Heating in Cold Climates
2024-04-03 13:00 - 14:00
Decarbonizing home heating can be challenging in the coldest U.S. regions. Electric heat pumps can operate in very low temperatures, but with reduced performance and the potential for increasing winter peak electricity demand. Hybrid systems with biofuel backups for the coldest days could help economically yet wouldn’t achieve full decarbonization. How can clean heating be achieved in the most extreme winters without straining household budgets?
Join this webinar to hear the results of a new ACEEE report examining the future costs of decarbonized heating in the coldest areas of the country. Report authors and outside experts will discuss the impacts of several possible technologies, including common heat pumps, furnace and boiler options, the use of low-carbon backup fuels stored in small tanks, and adoption of air-to-water heat pumps.

The Intersection of Energy Codes and Electrical Codes on the Road to Decarbonization
2024-04-18 13:00 - 14:30
As the U.S. housing stock electrifies and decarbonizes in the coming decades, hundreds of millions of new electric loads will be added to new and existing dwellings. The cost and burden of this transition will depend, in part, on the need to upgrade the nation’s electrical infrastructure. The National Electric Code (NEC) is used nationally to calculate electrical loads and size service infrastructure and has been identified as an obstacle in addressing existing dwellings. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) has led an effort funded by the US DOE to review the existing electrical code for barriers to household electrification, which led to an analysis by LBNL of sub-metering data to support proposed changes to the code. This session will address NEC requirements around solar PV, home batteries, and Energy Management systems. Speakers will summarize the barriers identified in the current electrical code, present an overview of project data analysis, and review proposed code changes.
Continuing education credits (AIA and ICC) will be offered for most of the live events. Instructions for requesting certificates of completion will be provided during each webinar.
Learn more about the BECP Energy Code Webinar Series: https://www.energycodes.gov/becp-energy-code-webinar-series

Ductless cold climate heat pumps for multifamily applications
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:00
Approximately 25% of multifamily units in buildings with four units or fewer and more than 40% of units in larger multifamily buildings (MFB) in Minnesota are heated with electric resistance heat (MN Energy Efficiency Potential Study, 2018). This is particularly prevalent in lower-income buildings whose occupants can least afford high heating costs. Technological advances in cold climate air source heat pump (ccASHP) technology offer an opportunity to reduce heating energy use and occupant energy costs in this underserved housing sector. However, retrofit applications of ccASHPs to MFBs is distinctly different from that in single-family homes, and it is crucial to effectively recognize and address these differences for ccASHPs to meet their truly large savings potential in MFBs.
Hear key findings from Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) on a field study of a sample of ccASHPs in four Minnesota multifamily buildings, where CEE installed, monitored and evaluated the performance of these ccASHPs over at least one full heating season. The presentation will cover the detailed performance data to unpack the trade-offs of different ccASHP applications and approaches, installation best practices, the importance and impact of good controls, and interactions with existing and supplemental heating sources.

Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 Infrastructure
2024-04-26 13:00 - 15:30
Schools are invited to watch the White House’s first-ever Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 Infrastructure on April 26th, highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to providing communities equitable access to energy efficient, climate resilient, and healthy school facilities that are conducive to learning. This summit will highlight the pressing need for sustainable 21st-century school infrastructure and the impact that facility conditions have on student and teacher health and learning outcomes.
The event will also provide deeper insight into the tools and existing commitments offered by the federal government to invest in school sustainability and infrastructure. Students, educators, administrators, parents, and other school stakeholders are invited to tune in to the opening plenary and panels on April 26th from 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET.

2024 City Clean Energy Scorecard: Are Cities Living up to their Climate Commitments?
2024-04-30 12:30 - 13:30
As the primary drivers of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cities are facing an urgent need to quickly take actions that will reduce their carbon footprint. Many have set ambitious targets to lower GHG emissions, increase renewable energy, electrify the buildings and transportation sectors, and to do so while advancing racial and social equity. But are cities’ leaders doing their part to meet these goals?
Join us and find out as we reveal city rankings from the 2024 City Clean Energy Scorecard. We’ll also discuss emerging trends in clean energy plans, policies, and programs across the country. Attendees will hear from officials in several leading cities about what they are already doing, and planning, to reduce energy use and GHG emissions, while simultaneously advancing racial and social equity.

Your Guide to an Equitable Energy Transition
2024-05-09 14:00 - 15:00
Join Enterprise, Housing Partnership Network, and RMI on Thursday, May 9th for a deep dive into our new digital resource, the Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub. We’ll introduce each of the partners involved in creating this resource, guide you through navigating the site, and offer opportunities to provide feedback to help us grow the Hub to empower your decarbonization journey.

Using LIHEAP and WAP to Expand Low-Income Solar Access
2024-05-09 14:00 - 15:00
Low- and moderate-income households make up fewer than 20% of solar adopters, despite representing over 40% of U.S. households. Federal assistance programs—like the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—can address this solar access gap through a variety of pathways for low-income households. Just last year, WAP and LIHEAP issued guidance to support the inclusion of solar. The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have published new resources to help integrate solar into these services for low-income households, including a decision guide, implementation toolkit, case studies, and more: http://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/solar-resources-wap-and-liheap
A new report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), “Solar Pathways in Federal Energy Assistance Programs: Expanding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP),” chronicles NREL’s efforts to document successful implementation pathways through analyzing LIHEAP and WAP annual plans, surveying LIHEAP grant recipients and WAP Grantees about obstacles to solar implementation, and conducting interviews and workshops with program administrators. Read it here: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy24osti/88519.pdf In this webinar hosted by the Clean Energy States Alliance, report authors will discuss their findings and explore effective ways that WAP and LIHEAP state agencies can bring solar to their clients.
Speakers:
– Juliana Williams, Energy Markets and Policy Specialist, NREL
– Jenna Harmon, Researcher, Decision Support Analysis, NREL
– Matt Ohloff, Clean Energy States Alliance (moderator)

Public Workshop: Zero-Emission Space and Water Heater Standards
2024-05-14 08:00 - 17:00
The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) staff invite you to participate in a virtual public workshop to provide input on the development of zero greenhouse gas emission standards for space and water heaters. These standards seek to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from new space and water heaters sold in the state to help meet California’s climate goals and federal air quality standards. At this workshop, staff will solicit input on an updated draft regulatory proposal. Staff will request feedback on zero-emission technology types, costs, and adoption rates to include in the modeling work to estimate emission reduction and cost impacts for the regulatory proposal. Staff will also solicit input on suggestions for alternative regulatory concepts for inclusion in the Standardized Regulatory Impact Assessment that will be prepared for this regulatory action. In addition, this workshop will also serve as a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) scoping meeting to solicit input on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) to be prepared for the proposed project.

This workshop is one in a series of workshops and focused meetings with interested parties that CARB will be hosting to inform the rulemaking process for zero-emission space and water heater standards.

Getting Cashback for Clean Energy: Direct Pay Tax Credits for Nonprofits
2024-05-21 13:00 - 14:00
The DOE Renew America’s Nonprofits Program is hosting a webinar Tuesday, May 21 at 1PM ET highlighting a new funding opportunity: Elective Pay (also called “direct pay”). As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, nonprofits are now eligible to receive direct cash payments equal to the full value of tax credits for qualifying clean energy or transportation projects.
Hospitals, housing providers, religious institutions, and other community-based organizations are invited to learn more about eligible technologies and how tax-exempt entities can take advantage of tax credits worth up to 70% of the project cost.
Speakers include:
* Alex Kate Halvey, AAAS Fellow, DOE Office of Policy
* Daniel Bresette, President, Environmental and Energy Study Institute
* Ben Evans, Federal Legislative Director, U.S. Green Building Council

Navigating Organizational Funding for Home Energy Upgrade Programs in Justice 40 Communities
2024-05-21 13:00 - 16:00
The federal government is releasing historic amounts of funding to advance home energy upgrades in the United States right now, with many specifically dedicated to delivering energy savings, comfort, and health benefits to Justice 40 communities. Many of these funding opportunities come with difficult applications and complicated requirements due within short timelines.
Join us for a three-hour workshop to hear actionable advice on the nuts and bolts of applying for Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure law grants, prizes, and technical assistance. Participants will hear from municipal staff and community leaders about their experiences applying for federal grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000,000. Industry experts will detail best practices for finding federal opportunities that match participant priorities and completing a successful application. The workshop will culminate in a breakout room session where participants will work through a sample funding opportunity notice, creating a sample project plan and drafting an outline to complete a successful federal grant application.
This is the first workshop in a series organized by EPA and R2E2 and designed to support community-based organizations, small businesses, and local governments in creating equitable efficiency and electrification home upgrade programs.

Power demand is skyrocketing. What should utilities do about it?
2024-05-29 13:00 - 14:00
The U.S. is in the midst of a major electricity growth spurt — and power grids aren’t ready to handle it. New data centers and factories are pushing near-term power demand growth way beyond forecasts, and electric vehicles and building electrification will add even more strain in years to come.
A number of utilities are asking regulators to approve the construction of new fossil-gas power plants to meet rising demand, but they threaten to derail the country’s fight against climate change. Cleaner, cheaper alternatives are readily available.
Join Canary Media and expert guests for a live online discussion on the challenge posed by fast-rising electricity demand and what utilities should be doing about it.

Leveraging the Most Effective Messages on Appliance Standards
2024-05-29 13:30 - 15:00
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) and The American Council at an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) are delighted to invite you to a webinar unveiling new audience and messaging research to enhance our collective communications and advocacy efforts for strong energy efficiency standards. Please join us for a presentation and Q&A session where we will walk through the key takeaways from recent audience and messaging research and testing, including messages that move specific audiences to action. We will also offer actionable recommendations for how our allies and like-minded organizations can employ the research findings in our communications and advocacy plans to influence the narrative and policy around efficiency standards.

In Case You Missed It: 2024 Better Buildings Summit Sample
2024-06-04 11:00 - 12:00
In April, the Department of Energy hosted the 2024 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit. This webinar showcases Summit presentations from the higher education, industrial, public, and multifamily sectors. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch one of the talks you might have missed

Marketing and Promoting Electrification Using Behavioral Science
2024-06-05 13:00 - 14:00
A new nationwide survey of nearly 2,000 homeowners and renters found that among those interested in transitioning their homes from fossil fuels to efficient electric systems, the most common reasons were the environment, health and safety, and energy efficiency. Perceptions of the expensiveness of switching to electricity and specific preferences about cooking with gas dominate the barriers to electrification. And customers with specific beliefs and experiences are most likely to switch. Putting these findings into practice is the real challenge. How do we encourage electrification more broadly using behavioral science?
Join us for a webinar as we delve into the details of this new report and discuss the findings with experts in the field. Attendees will learn about programs that have successfully moved households to electrify from Washington, DC, and the rest of the country.

Now What? Putting the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to Work
2024-06-06 12:00 - 12:30
In April 2024, the EPA awarded $14 billion to three applicants under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund’s National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF). One of the applicants was Power Forward Communities, a coalition led by Enterprise Community Partners, Rewiring America, Habitat for Humanity International, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and United Way Worldwide. They were awarded $2 billion to decarbonize homes across the U.S. In this Monthly, our guest Aimee Witteman from Rewiring America will talk about the award and what the coalition is planning to do.

Hacking the Code: Building Performance Standard Integration and Implementation
2024-06-11 11:00 - 12:00
Building Performance Standards (BPS) empower state and local governments to achieve decarbonization, energy, and water goals. Hear from the BPS Technical Assistance Network and Better Climate Challenge partners on the value of having BPS and how building owners are integrating them into their planning.
Presenters:

Billierae Engelman, U.S. DOE
Michael Miranda, National Housing Trust
Jennifer Pritchard, Seattle Housing Authority
JoAnna Saunders, District of Columbia

RMI and National Grid Examine the Role of Non-Pipeline Alternatives in the Energy Transition
2024-06-17 13:00 - 14:00
As the United States strives to meet ambitious climate targets and transition to cleaner energy sources, the changing role of natural gas utilities is paramount. With over 77 million customers receiving energy from gas utilities, a shift away from fossil fuels is challenging but essential. In this webinar, utility decarbonization experts from RMI, National Grid, and PG&E discuss the research findings from a recent RMI-National Grid joint report on the role of non-pipeline alternatives (NPAs) and integrated energy planning in shaping the energy transition.
Non-pipeline alternatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce costs by offering alternatives to traditional natural gas systems. These can include electrification of a building’s equipment or connection to lower-carbon infrastructure like thermal energy networks. National Grid and RMI’s research focused on nine case studies from the US and Europe that shed light on current efforts underway, and what challenges must be addressed to advance this promising solution in step with better integrated energy planning by utilities.

Leveraging Federal Dollars with Michigan’s State Energy Financing Institutions (SEFI)
2024-06-20 10:00 - 11:00
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Michigan Economic Development Corporation will be expanding upon Governor Whitmer’s announcement at the MI Healthy Climate Conference (https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2024/05/17/sefi).
This SEFI determination calls for large-scale clean energy technology projects to launch in Michigan and encourages economic development for new and existing organizations in Michigan while accelerating progress toward Michigan’s goal of reaching 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. Hans Riemer from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office will join to provide an overview of the SEFI program.
Public and private entities managing large-scale decarbonization projects (of at least $100 million, which can be an aggregation of smaller projects) should tune in to this webinar to hear from both of Michigan’s SEFIs and the DOE LPO about how SEFI support for your project can help open up new federal financing streams.
After registering, you will receive an email from “EGLE Outreach” with a link for you to use to join the webinar. Individuals needing language assistance or accommodations for effective participation should contact Joel Roseberry roseberryj@michigan.gov by June 6 to request language, mobility, visual, hearing, translation, and/or other assistance.

Buildings Hub Public Tour
2024-06-25 14:00 - 15:00
Take a peek at everything Atlas Buildings Hub has to offer, from policy updates to heat pump market data to thoughtful analysis of recent developments in building decarbonization. Atlas Public Policy Analyst Stephen Naimoli will walk attendees through the Buildings Hub’s offerings with a chance to get your questions answered.

R2E2 Playbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Equitable Energy Retrofits in Affordable Housing
2024-06-26 14:00 - 15:00
The Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2) Playbook is a tool for community-based organizations, state and local governments, and others seeking to establish, improve, or expand energy upgrade programs for low- and moderate-income housing in their communities.
By highlighting dozens of strategies and examples across the country, the Playbook will help administrators establish programs that are community-led, easy to use, and that achieve benefits like healthier and more affordable housing, reduced energy burdens, new economic opportunities for workers and small business owners, and reduced pollution. This one-hour webinar will feature guest speakers from some of the over 90 programs highlighted in the Playbook.

Inclusive Energy Codes: Bridging the Gap to Achieve Equity and Environmental Justice
2024-07-16 08:00 - 17:00
In case you missed it, tune into a 2024 National Energy Codes Conference replay diving into the intersection of energy codes, equity, and environmental justice. In this engaging session, experts from across the country will share insights on crafting energy codes that not only meet technical standards, but also address the needs of underserved communities, empower the workforce, and ensure Justice40 goals are being met. Learn about strategies that provide accessible and inclusive benefits throughout the entire lifecycle of energy codes—from development to enforcement and evaluation. This is a crucial conversation for those interested in how building energy policy can be a tool for positive change.
Speakers: Maggie Kelley Riggins – Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), Bahareh van Boekhold – ILLUME Advising, Jasmine Xie – National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO). Moderator: Erin Beddingfield – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

There's a Heat Pump for That: Multifamily Decarbonization Solutions
2024-07-16 11:00 - 12:00
Decarbonizing heating systems in multifamily buildings can seem insurmountable without the right information. Discover how to evaluate the efficacy of heat pumps and other decarbonized heating solutions for multifamily buildings from technical experts and hear from a multifamily building owner about how to make these solutions a reality.

The Multi-State Plan to Power a Surge in Heat Pump Adoption
2024-07-18 13:00 - 17:00
Earlier this year, nine states plus Washington, DC, signed an agreement to meet ambitious heat pump targets and reduce emissions from buildings. Hear from Emily Levin of the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), who drafted the agreement, on how it came to be and what the states are now doing to meet the commitment. Also hear from Zach Berzolla of the Maryland Department of the Environment about the specific steps his state is taking to accelerate heat pump deployment and decarbonize buildings.

Financing the Future: Innovative Solutions for Decarbonization
2024-07-23 11:00 - 12:00
Securing financing for energy efficiency and decarbonization projects can be complex and often requires creative solutions. Dive into the evolving landscape of decarbonization financing alongside Better Buildings, Better Plants partners, and Financial Allies who are leveraging innovative financing solutions to decarbonize buildings and facilities across the nation.

Building Owner Spotlight: Smarter Small Buildings Campaign
2024-07-30 11:00 - 12:30
The DOE Smarter Small Buildings Campaign helps building owners improve energy performance and occupant comfort through HVAC controls and monitoring. Hear from building owners recognized by the campaign for their exemplary work installing and operating HVAC controls. Leading building owners will share their best practices and lessons learned.

Future of Gas survey results briefing
2024-07-30 16:00 - 17:00
Data for Progress and Sunstone Strategies to present findings and message recommendations as well as invite input into future research.

2024 DOE BIL, IRA Summer Progress Update
2024-08-05 12:30 - 13:30
Join us! August 14 Webinar Celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act’s Second Anniversary
Join the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of the Under Secretary for Infrastructure on Wednesday, August 14, at 12:30 p.m. ET, for a webinar celebrating the tremendous clean energy progress that has been made since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago.
Representing the largest investment in clean energy and climate action ever, the Inflation Reduction Act – coupled with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – tasked the DOE with more than $97 billion to renew our nation’s infrastructure, rebuild domestic manufacturing, create millions of good-paying jobs, address climate change, and increase American competitiveness.
Hear from leaders across the Department on how they’re putting this funding to work in every corner of the country and catalyzing the clean energy economy of the future.

Rhode Island's New Building Decarbonization Bill
2024-08-09 12:00
Major building decarbonization legislation was recently introduced in Rhode Island’s legislature. Join us for a conversation with the bill’s author, Rhode Island State Senator Meghan Kallman, to learn about what’s in the bill, what isn’t, and what it will take to get it passed.

NJ Interagency Council on Climate Resilience Asks: Has it Always Been This Hot in NJ?
2024-08-13 11:00 - 12:00
Join us on August 13th, 2024, at 11 a.m. as New Jersey’s Interagency Council on Climate Resilience (IAC) hosts a panel of climate and weather experts to discuss how and why NJ’s temperatures have changed over time and what we can expect moving forward.
At this webinar, you’ll learn:

Impacts of this warming trend
Differences between weather and climate
Urban Heat Island effects and their impact on NJ’s overall warming
How to stay informed
