The Building Technologies Office conducts work in three key areas in order to continually develop innovative, cost-effective, energy-saving solutions: research and development (R&D), market stimulation, and building codes and equipment standards. Working with our partners on these activities results in better products, better new homes, better ways to improve older homes, and better buildings in which to work, shop, and lead our everyday lives.
Research and Development
- Spearhead the development of new, energy-efficient technologies.
- Lead R&D activities that reduce home energy use through Building America.
- Collaborate with industry to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing commercial buildings.
Market Stimulation
- Help communities improve efficiency through the Better Buildings Residential Network.
- Work with partners to offer whole-house upgrades through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®.
- Promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and methods in new homes through the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program.
- Provide home owners, buyers, and renters information about a home's energy use and offer cost-effective solutions to improve efficiency through Home Energy Score.™
- Encourage building owners and operators to commit to an energy-savings pledge with the Better Buildings Challenge.
- Improve commercial retail, real estate, and health care buildings through Better Buildings Alliance.
- Help grow new technologies through awareness programs like Solid-State Lighting.
- Inspire the next generation of builders and architects through the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.
- Give engineers, architects, and designers better insight into building energy use through modeling software for programs such as EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Plug-in for SketchUp.
- Develop and demonstrate tools, resources, and strategies for residential efficiency technologies and trade practices through the Home Improvement Catalyst.
Building Codes and Equipment Standards
- Set test procedures and minimum efficiency standards for residential appliances and commercial equipment.
- Help states implement building energy codes, provide compliance tools to building professionals, and participate in developing the technical basis cost-effective codes that continue to drive greater efficiency.