DOE Program Connects Building Owners and Energy Experts

UPDATE May 10, 2010:The deadline for proposals to participate in the partnership program has been extended to May 14, 2010, at 3 p.m. EDT.The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new initiative to reduce energy use in new and existing buildings across the commercial building sector and is currently accepting applications for participating experts and projects.

With funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Commercial Buildings Partnership will introduce energy-efficiency experts from DOE National Laboratories and the private sector to building owners, particularly those with extensive real estate portfolios. The intent of the program is to expedite the adoption of energy-saving technologies by involving building owners who can implement strategies across their portfolios; program participants will have to publicly document their projects in detailed case study format, making the lessons learned available to nonparticipating projects.

Interested property owners should submit proposals for new or existing building projects by May 10, 2010; technical experts interested in advising on these projects should respond by the same date. Participating DOE National Laboratories include the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

– Andrea Ward

For more information:

U.S. Department of Energy Commercial Buildings Partnership

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (program details)