The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the "2024 Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report," underscoring the achievements of its public and private sector partners in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across various sectors in the United States. Since 2011, these efforts have collectively saved nearly $22 billion and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 220 million metric tons, equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 29 million homes.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm commented on the initiative's impact: "DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative is helping organizations of all sizes from every corner of the country and every sector of the economy lower energy costs and save money—to the tune of $22 billion." She emphasized that under President Biden and Vice President Harris' leadership, DOE will continue fostering strong public-private partnerships to address climate change and secure a clean energy future.
The report highlights several key accomplishments:
- More than 25 organizations met their Better Buildings, Better Plants, or Better Climate Challenge goals last year, including companies such as Kohl’s Inc., Trane Technologies, The Chemours Company, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Nestlé USA, California State University Channel Islands, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (Maryland), and the City of West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Over 180 new solutions and examples were shared within the past year. DOE is also exploring new ways to showcase successful partner pathways.
- Through the Better Buildings Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator announced earlier this year, DOE collaborates with manufacturers to develop high-efficiency heat pump rooftop units. This technology could save American businesses up to $5 billion annually if deployed at scale.
- The Framework for GHG Emissions Reduction Planning was launched with input from over 60 organizations to help create actionable decarbonization plans.
- Financial Allies have extended more than $37 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects since the program's inception.
- Working groups within the Better Climate Challenge share insights on topics such as GHG emission reduction audits, onsite renewables, and low-emission industrial thermal loads.
The report also notes that more than 9,500 attendees participated in a Better Buildings Webinar last year, while over 550,000 people accessed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center.
For additional details, read the full 2024 Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report or visit the Better Buildings Solution Center.
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