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Buildings and Energy Sector

• Accelerate renewable energy use on existing infrastructure

• Improve building energy efficiency and electrification

• Promote smart energy use and demand management

• Support community transitions to clean, resilient, and efficient energy systems

Please review the potential actions below and let us know if you would support initiatives in that area.

1.  

Accelerate Renewable Energy Use on Existing Infrastructure

Streamline permitting processes for renewable energy projects and support behind-the-meter technologies that reduce power losses and enable distributed generation.
Provide targeted incentives (e.g., tax credits, rebates, net metering) for residential and commercial renewable energy installations and energy storage systems.
Adopt a renewable portfolio or clean electricity standards.
Benchmark buildings in EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager or similar software to analyze and monitor energy use.
Invest in distributed or community-scale renewable energy, microgrids, and vehicle-to-grid infrastructure—especially in disadvantaged or rural areas.
2.  

Improve Building Energy Efficiency and Electrification

Offer rebates or incentive programs for certified energy-efficient appliances, lighting, HVAC, and insulation in homes and businesses.
Adopt and enforce up-to-date or stretch building energy codes for new residential and commercial buildings.
Promote the electrification of government buildings by upgrading all interior and exterior lighting to LED and automating controls.
Implement building energy benchmarking and performance standards for commercial and multifamily buildings and enact clean heat standards for space and water heating.
3.  

Promote Smart Energy Use and Demand Management

Support the installation of smart meters and behind-the-meter technologies to help reduce peak electricity demand and empower consumers.
Implement a building energy performance management program for public facilities.
Require EV charging infrastructure in new developments.
Develop smart-grid infrastructure to integrate renewable energy, optimize load balancing, and expand consumer participation in demand response and distributed energy programs.
Incentivize/support green roofs and/or permeable cool pavement applications to reduce heat islands and minimize flooding.
4.  

Support Community Transitions to Clean, Resilient, and Efficient Energy Systems

Conduct stakeholder education and engagement on energy efficiency benefits.
Provide training and events on alternative technologies.
Develop minimum performance standards for existing buildings to drive retrofits and efficiency upgrades.
Support green business initiatives.
Implement programs that support affordable access to renewable energy.
Support efforts to increase residential on-site solar.
Select option