The U.S. Department of Energy unveiled new energy code requirements for federal buildings that will "save taxpayer dollars and ensure the federal government leads by example in energy efficiency," a March 30 news release said.
The agency is also proposing new standards for residential room air conditioners and pool heaters that will help reduce utility bills.
“The Biden administration is leading by example to cut energy use and reduce its carbon footprint by adopting the latest building standards that drive down operating costs and therefore save taxpayer dollars,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said. “Coupled with the appliance standards proposed today for American households, DOE is reiterating our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions, improving our air quality and keeping more money in the pockets of families across the country.”
According to the DOE, the new proposed standards "can potentially save more than $15 billion in net costs over the next 30 years," and they "will also potentially save 2.2 quads of energy, equivalent to the energy use of 13 million homes in one year, and reduce emissions equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of 14.4 million homes over a 30-year period," the news release said.
"Beginning in April 2023, all new buildings and major retrofits constructed by the federal government must comply with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and the 2019 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 90.1 building energy codes," the news release reported.
