Michael Furze Selected to Lead the Building Technologies Office

The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced today that Michael Furze has been selected to serve as the director of EERE’s Building Technologies Office (BTO).

As director, Furze will lead the way in fulfilling BTO’s mission to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities to accelerate the adoption of technologies and techniques that enable high-performing, affordable buildings that meet Americans’ need for resiliency and health while also supporting a reliable energy system.

“Michael brings a variety of experiences leading large organizations and working with diverse groups across key energy challenges,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Carolyn Snyder, who leads EERE’s buildings and industry pillar. “From his early days in public service leading weatherization for families that need it most to his executive leadership in growing a robust and high-impact energy portfolio for Washington state with bipartisan support, he has demonstrated qualities that I am confident will make him an excellent leader for BTO.”

“This is an incredible opportunity to support the American public through cutting-edge technology and innovations in the buildings industry,” Furze says. “It's inspiring to join the talented team at BTO, and work along with industry, academia, national laboratories, and other parties in our efforts to make energy more affordable and the grid more resilient.”

Furze comes to BTO from the Washington State Department of Commerce, where he spent nearly a decade leading the Energy Office as an assistant director. Previously, he served as managing director of the Housing Improvement and Preservation Unit, which included the state’s weatherization assistance program. Furze also sat on the board of the U.S. Green Building Council-New Mexico Chapter and was the technical lead for the New Mexico Energy$mart Program, a weatherization assistance program funded by the Department of Energy. He earned a master’s degree in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico in 2010, as well as bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts in 2003.

BTO warmly welcomes Michael Furze to its team and looks forward to working with him to advance our goals of more affordable energy for all and more resilient, comfortable, and healthy buildings.