DOE Launches Better Building Initiatives to Drive Energy Efficiency and Combat Climate Change – America | Energetica India Magazine

US Department of Energy Unveils New Better Building Initiatives

At the annual Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, the US Department of Energy (DOE) introduced new Better Building Initiatives with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives aim to assist organizations across all sectors of the US economy in saving energy, reducing costs, and cutting emissions.

Better Buildings Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator

One of the key initiatives unveiled is the Better Buildings Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator. This initiative is designed to facilitate the production of higher efficiency and cost-effective heat pump rooftop units by manufacturers. Commercial organizations will evaluate and adopt next-generation heat pump technology as part of this initiative. The goal is to bring more efficient and affordable heat pump rooftop units to the market by 2027.

Partnerships have been formed with commercial end-users such as Amazon, IKEA, and Target to drive the adoption of these next-generation heat pump units. Manufacturers including AAON, Carrier Global Corp., Lennox International, Rheem Manufacturing Co., Trane Technologies, and York International Corp. are already part of this initiative. The advancements in heat pump technology could potentially halve emissions and energy costs compared to natural gas-fueled heat pumps, resulting in potential annual savings of USD 5 billion for American businesses on utility bills.

Better Buildings Initiative

The Better Buildings Initiative, a collaboration between the DOE and public and private sector stakeholders, aims to improve building design, materials, equipment, and operations. By pursuing energy, waste, water, and emissions reduction goals, the initiative seeks to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste across various sectors of the economy.

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the significance of these efforts, stating, “Since 2011, DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative has helped pave the way for cost-effective energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions across America’s building sector.”

Recognition and New Working Groups

During the Better Buildings Summit, industry leaders were recognized for their achievements in decarbonization, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. Additionally, new working groups were launched to focus on central plant decarbonization, transitioning to low-impact refrigerants, and financial strategies for industrial decarbonization.

The Better Buildings Solution Center has also been revamped to provide better navigation and functionality. It now offers over 3,000 efficiency and decarbonization solutions to support organizations in their sustainability efforts.

Driving Progress Towards a Sustainable Future

Through these initiatives, the DOE aims to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings more efficient, saving energy and money, reducing emissions, and strengthening the economy. With over 900 Better Buildings partners already onboard, collectively saving USD 18.5 billion in energy costs, the initiative continues to drive progress towards a more sustainable future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple SDGs, including affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and partnerships for the goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
• Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency, upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable, reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, and enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

The article provides information about new initiatives and collaborations aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainable practices in various sectors. However, it does not mention any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: energetica-india.net

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