Building Efficiency Programs Are Driving Some Results, But Maybe Not For Long

Developers are getting better and better at combining the right product mix, technology, and design for high performing buildings. New multifamily projects are highlighting some best practices and leading the industry forward in energy performance. Is this motivated by regulations and standards? How will government cuts affect the innovation invested in better buildings?

President Trump has proposed cutting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's budget by more than 30%, and would trim the Department of Energy's by 6%. Among the programs losing funding are energy efficiency programs researchers say are successful at saving energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design are all very effective when rolled out in large buildings.

However, researchers said the conclusions were uneven. "We also find that these programs do not substantially reduce emissions in small and medium sized buildings, which represent about two-thirds of commercial sector building emissions," they wrote.