Technologies include:
- computer simulation and design tools to enable integrated project teams to collaborate on retrofit, renovation, and new building design projects;
- advanced combined heat and power systems;
- building-integrated PV systems;
- advanced HVAC systems with integrated indoor air quality management;
- sensor and control networks to monitor building conditions and optimize energy use.
The program will also analyze the role of policy, markets, and behavior in the use of building energy technologies. Because buildings account for nearly 40% of U.S. energy consumption and carbon emissions, developing systems to improve building efficiency will provide significant benefits. This is the third DOE hub established in Fiscal Year 2010. In July, DOE announced the Fuels from Sunlight Energy Innovation Hub. See the DOE press release, the Energy Hub Web site, and the July 28 edition of EERE Network News.
HUD Awards $100 Million for Housing Efficiency Retrofits
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on August 19 awarded over $100 million in Recovery Act funds to complete energy efficient renovations of 100 affordable housing developments in 31 states and Washington, D.C.
The awards, which will serve 8,112 residences, are part of HUD's Green Retrofit Program, which is providing $250 million nationally from the Recovery Act to reduce energy costs, cut water consumption, and improve indoor air quality. The awards announced are the first grants and loans awarded through the program; remaining awards will be rolled out through September 30.
Funds from the retrofit program help private property owners and property management companies cut heating and air conditioning costs by installing more efficient heating and cooling systems, for example. The renovations are designed to upgrade thousands of affordable apartments. See the HUD press release and the full list of award selections (PDF 213 KB).
DOE Awards $120 Million for Weatherization Projects, Marks Busiest Month
On August 19, DOE announced its selection of 119 organizations across the country that will receive nearly $120 million under the DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program.
These investments will enable weatherization agencies to expand their programs, and will support new pilot projects to demonstrate innovative delivery, novel financial models, and new technologies.
DOE also reported that a record 31,600 homes were weatherized in June, and that over 80,000 homes will be weatherized this summer.
The leading states for the month were Illinois, with 2,957 refurbished homes, and California, with 2,701, and Texas with 2,649. The program has created over 13,000 green jobs in the second quarter of 2010. See the DOE press release and the tally of weatherized homes by state (PDF 14 KB).
Nearly $90 million in Recovery Act funds will be awarded to 103 high-performing local providers in 27 states to enhance their existing weatherization programs. For the first time in the program's history, grantees will install renewable energy systems and cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies. These include solar heating systems, solar PV panels and shingles, small-scale wind turbines, new insulation technologies, "cool roofs, " high-efficiency appliances, tankless hot water systems, high-efficiency combination boilers, in-home energy monitors, and ductless heat pump systems.
