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Advancing Energy Efficiency Through DOE IRA

Energy Code Funding

The Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to advancing building energy efficiency and resilience through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. This landmark legislation allocates significant funding to support the adoption and implementation of the latest model energy codes, zero energy codes and other innovative building energy standards.

This webpage provides comprehensive information on U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy code funding made available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, outlining funding opportunities, key components, eligibility, and how to apply. Learn more about the benefits of adopting advanced energy codes here.

IRA_ICC_fact_sheet

Click here for IRA fact sheet pdf.

Purpose of the Funding

The IRA Energy Code Funding aims to assist state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) governments in adopting and implementing the latest building energy codes. By advancing these standards, the program seeks to reduce utility bills, increase building efficiency and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to long-term environmental sustainability and energy resilience.

Funding Amount

Up to $1 billion in funding is available for eligible recipients, divided into two main categories:

Formula funding
for States and Territories

Funding amounts have been established for eligible applicants, which support building energy code adoption and implementation, including support for multi-cycle adoption, building performance standards (BPS), and capacity building for workforce training.

Competitive funding
for States, Territories and certain localities

In addition to formula funding, DOE provides competitive funding opportunities to advance the above objectives.

$
  Million

for the adoption and implementation of zero energy building codes or equivalent standards

$
  Million

for the adoption and implementation of the latest model energy codes, such as the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019

Key Components

Implementation Plans

Recipients must develop comprehensive implementation plans outlining strategies to achieve full compliance with the adopted energy codes. These plans should include capacity-building initiatives, workforce training and enforcement mechanisms.

Community Benefits

The program emphasizes the importance of community benefits, requiring recipients to submit plans that demonstrate how the funded activities will benefit local communities, including underserved and disadvantaged populations.

Eligible Recipients

State Governments

Local Governments*

Tribal Governments

U.S. Territories

* with the authority to adopt building energy codes

How to Apply

Letter of Intent (LOI) – Eligible states and territories must submit an LOI to reserve their funding. The deadline for LOI submission was January 31, 2024.

Full Application – Complete applications, including detailed implementation plans and budget justifications, must be submitted by September 30, 2025.

Concept Papers – When applying for competitive funding, concept papers (not to exceed two pages) must submit a full application

  • The first round of concept papers were due on February 9, 2024. Full applications for the first round were due on April 30, 2024.
  • The second round of concept papers were due on June 28, 2024. Full applications for the second round are due on September 13, 2024.