March 2024 Edition
Dear Customers,
Exciting things are happening at DOB!
First, we've launched our newly updated Vacant Buildings webpage, designed based on your feedback for a smoother and cleaner user experience. Whether you are dealing with residential or commercial vacant/blighted properties, finding relevant DOB resources just got easier.
Part of our work involves informing the public about our role and responsibilities, so I am happy to share DOB's Strategic Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons' column with Greater Greater Washington, the first of a series where we will go in depth into DOB's role in enforcement and the way we contribute to the District's continued economic development.
Lastly, in this month's iteration of Building For Tomorrow Today, we are spotlighting heat pump water heaters—a sustainable solution offering energy efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, I want to make sure you remember to register for the upcoming free Healthy Homes Fair on April 6, 2024, where you can explore eco-friendly products and incentives.
We are grateful for your trust in us as we work to make DOB a more accessible, responsible, and effective agency. Thank you for coming on this journey with us.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
 DOB is excited to announce a newly updated Vacant Building page on its website. The page has been redesigned based on suggestions from both internal and external stakeholders, focusing on providing easy access to the resources you need regarding both residential and commercial vacant/blighted properties. Check it out!
Keith Parsons, DOB's Strategic Enforcement Administrator, recently penned the first iteration of a recurring column with Greater Greater Washington.
The column series will explore DOB's enforcement policy, informing the public about DOB initiatives and dispelling myths around District policy. The column will also discuss DOB's role as a positive catalyst for economic development in the District.
You can read the piece by clicking the below button:
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 Heat Pump Water Heaters
 Image courtesy of Seattle City Light website, City of Seattle, WA
Heat pump water heaters offer a host of benefits for eco-conscious homeowners, making them a top choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills.
So, what exactly makes heat pump water heaters a sustainable and viable solution? Here's why they are worth considering:
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Energy Efficiency: Unlike traditional water heaters that rely solely on electricity or gas, heat pump water heaters leverage ambient heat from the surrounding air to heat water. By using this renewable energy source, these water heaters consume much less electricity, resulting in lower energy usage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
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Cost Savings: By cutting down on energy consumption, heat pump water heaters can lead to substantial cost savings over time. While they may have a higher upfront cost compared to conventional models, the long-term savings on energy bills make them a worthwhile investment for budget-conscious property owners.
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Environmental Impact: By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing energy consumption, heat pump water heaters help to mitigate environmental damage and combat climate change.
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Versatility: Heat pump water heaters can be installed in many different settings, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and even swimming pools. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, allowing even more people to embrace sustainable living practices.
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Government Incentives: There are many incentives, rebates, or tax credits for installing energy-efficient appliances such as heat pump water heaters. These financial incentives can further offset the initial cost and make sustainable living more accessible to homeowners. To learn more about federal tax incentives, please visit Energy Star, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's resource for cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. The District also offers rebate incentives, which can be researched on the DC Sustainable Energy Utility's (DCSEU) website.
Lastly, for contractors who want to learn more about the potential value heat pump water heaters can bring for their clients, we are excited to share a free webinar being held by one of our partners, Electrify DC, on April 2, 2024 - please see the details below.
 We are getting closer to the Healthy Homes Fair! This event offers a platform to explore various products, services, and incentives aimed at using homes to combat climate change while enhancing health and comfort.
The Fair, the largest home electrification event in the DC region, will feature more than 50 exhibitors, an appliance "petting zoo," a bouncy castle for kids, food trucks, and much more! Event programming is filled with engaging activities such as induction cooking demonstrations, caulking workshops, and incentive calculator demonstrations. The goal of this event is to equip all attendees with knowledge and tools necessary to consider decarbonizing their homes. Attendees can also join in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, such as state-of-the-art induction cooktops, portable plug-in versions, and more!
- When: Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Where: DC Armory - 2001 E Capitol Street SE
Contact DOB via email at dob@dc.gov, through our online inquiry form or during normal business hours using the live chat available on dob.dc.gov or by phone at 202.671.3500, and we will get back to you in three business days or less.
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