Building & Design

Yesterday Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced plans to invest $3.2 billion in energy efficiency and conservation projects.

US cities, counties, states, territories and Native American tribes will receive funds from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant programme, under the auspices of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“The funding will be used for the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have – energy efficiency and conservation – which can be deployed immediately,” said Chu.

Under the plans, investment will be made in energy audits, energy efficiency refurbishment of residential and commercial buildings, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and monitoring and energy efficiency incentive programmes.

Transportation schemes that conserve energy are also eligible for funds, as well as renewable installations on government buildings, energy efficient street and traffic lights, combined heat and power facilities and district heating/cooling schemes.

Cities and counties will receive a lion’s share of $1.9 billion, with states and territories receiving $770 million and $54 million for tribal governments.

“Local leaders will have the flexibility in how they put these resources to work – but we will hold them accountable for making the investments quickly and wisely to spur the local economy and cut energy use,” said Biden.

An additional $456 million will also be made available at a later date by the Department of Energy for energy efficiency projects.

For further information:
www.eecbg.energy.gov/
www.energy.gov/recovery/

Related stories:
Obama recovery plan signed into law (18-Feb 2009)