General News

The Federal Energy and Water Management Awards recognize successful projects at federal properties that resulted in a noteworthy improvement in energy and water efficiency. Learn more about these projects and programs that cut energy and water waste on the Department of Energy’s website. 

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A report from the World Economic Forum and PwC states that completing energy savings and efficiency projects can help buildings reduce energy consumption by as much as 38%. Over time, as the cost savings from actions taken to lessen the amount of energy that facilities need to operate add up, these efforts will pay for themselves. Learn more about this report in an article from Smart Cities Dive. 

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Reducing your facility’s energy usage will make investing in energy easier and more affordable in the future. According to an article from Facility Executive, the payback period on solar panels and other renewable energy technology will be longer if efforts are not taken to optimize energy systems for cost savings and efficiency first. 

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To mitigate the impact of extreme heat, flooding, and other weather-related incidents, the Department of Energy (DOE) encourages investment in energy-efficient technology to improve climate resilience. The DOE helps communities become safer, more equitable, and economically stronger by providing resources through its Office of State and Community Energy Programs. Learn more on DOE’s website.

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Improving energy efficiency and creating environments that staff feel more comfortable in are two ways government entities are updating the operational strategies of their facilities. In an interview with FacilitiesNet, two commercial real estate experts discuss some of the changes they’ve observed and how facility managers are dealing with them.

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Since 2022, the Department of Energy (DOE) has provided more than $250 million to California state and local governments as part of the Biden administration’s Investing in America Agenda. Some of these funds have gone towards advancing equity through the Justice40 Initiative, including projects that improve energy efficiency and resiliency. Visit DOE’s website to learn about recent developments in the state. 

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Legislation passed in 2022 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop income-graduated fixed charges (IGFCs) for residential electricity bills by 2025. Rebalancing rates through IGFCs will alleviate some of the burden customers in households navigating low incomes bear related to funding utility operations. Coupled with reduced volumetric rates, these changes will more fairly fund the state’s energy and climate policies. Keep reading to better understand CPUC’s proposed rate reform.

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By state law, California must reduce emissions 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2045—at which point the state would achieve carbon neutrality.  In November, air quality officials released a plan to achieve this goal that includes eliminating the use of gas appliances over the next eight years in both residential and commercial buildings. 

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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed in November of 2021 set aside about $1.2 trillion to improve and modernize transit, fight climate change, advance clean energy, widen broadband access and more. The NOFO Tracker maintains a list of active grant opportunities and funding programs available through the IIJA. It includes program eligibility requirements and application links and deadlines.

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Upon completion, a new microgrid in Tierrasanta will increase availability of renewable energy in peak demand hours. Greater reliability strengthens the community’s emergency preparedness strategy. This microgrid will have the capacity to provide energy to a fire station, a library, a medical center and schools in the event of a power outage. 

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