News

$8.4 Million In Grants Boosts Energy Efficiency Research

The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $8.4 million in research grants to improve energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings. The funding supports the first phase of 18 research and development projects aimed at reducing electricity consumption and pollution from heating and cooling systems. "By making these buildings more energy efficient, we are saving money, preventing power supply shortages and keeping the environment cleaner," said Energy Secretary Bill Richardson. "Residential and commercial buildings account for approximately 65 percent of the electricity and 40 percent of the natural gas used in the United States."

The research and development agreements will fund projects that target research and development activities in three broad areas:

• Building Equipment: Energy conversion and control equipment for lighting, space heating, cooling, ventilation, cogeneration, or on-site power generation.

• Building Envelope: Construction materials and components for windows, walls, roofs and foundations.

• Whole Building Technologies: Integrate components and systems governing overall energy use of a building.

The projects will last from one to three years and have a potential total federal cost of about $18 million. The research will help develop technologies such as electricity producing fuel cells, electrically tinted windows, light emitting diode lamps, innovative heating and cooling concepts, and remote monitoring of building energy management systems. Project recipients will provide from 20 percent to more than 50 percent in additional funding through cost sharing agreements. The DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory will manage the projects. More information on the DOE's energy efficient buildings programs can be found at: http://www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/

Content updated on 2/13/2003