For most building types, retro-commissioning (RCx) is either the first or second most cost-effective measure to reduce operational energy use—the energy that is used during the occupancy stage of a building’s life cycle. 

RCx is a systematic process to evaluate and improve an existing building’s energy performance by testing systems and equipment, identifying measures for implementation, implementing changes, training owners and operators how to take advantage of modified systems and equipment. 

DC's Building Innovation Hub has created an Existing Building Commissioning / Retro-Commissioning Scope of Work to help building owners define retro-commissioning activities and roles and responsibilities at your property.

Now that you've benchmarked your building, maybe you want to take the next step and secure ENERGY STAR certification. To earn the ENERGY STAR, buildings must earn an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher—indicating that they operate more efficiently than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide.

There’s no fee to apply for ENERGY STAR certification, but applications do require review by a professional engineer or a registered architect who is able to verify that energy performance and indoor environmental conditions meet EPA’s standards.

If you can’t afford the cost for the required Licensed Professional (LP) verification, good news! Nearly 25 LPs have signed up to offer a limited number of verification services on a cost-free basis to building owners like you. Learn more and apply for cost-free verification.

Building owners and architects are also eligible to earn EPA recognition for commercial new construction design projects. Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR is awarded to eligible projects that are in the design or construction phase. 

Following a public comment period, the EPA has decided to increase the required ENERGY STAR design score for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition from 75 to 80. The EPA will implement the design score change on August 26, 2024.

This change will have no impact on ENERGY STAR certification criteria for existing buildings and plants. 

Funded by the U.S Department of Energy, the Medici Road Renew America’s Nonprofits program focuses on providing non-profits with sub-grants to improve their infrastructure to meet Energy Star Certification standards while pursuing their racial equity and DEI goals.

In partnership with clean energy experts, the goal is to help the sub-recipient nonprofits to redirect savings in energy and utility costs to critical mission-focused work and contribute to healthier air quality in disadvantaged communities. The grant will also support the nonprofits to strengthen their racial equity work through training and resources.

Learn more and apply or attend an info session on August 13 at 3 pm.

Affordable housing in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia is vulnerable to a growing set of climate risks and natural disasters, including extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms.

The Mid-Atlantic Climate Resilience Academy is designed specifically to help multifamily affordable housing owners, operators, and developers across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia make their properties more resilient and reduce displacement of residents, damage to property, business interruptions, and other harmful impacts.

Applications to join the learning cohort are due August 30th.

USGBC is now accepting nominations for the 2024 U.S. Local Market Leadership Awards program. These prestigious awards honor projects, people and partners that demonstrate excellence in working to create better buildings and to improve the lives of all in their local communities.

In order to qualify, projects must have earned certification under the LEED rating system or another GBCI program since Jan. 1, 2022. Projects must be located in D.C., Maryland or Virginia to compete for a USGBC National Capital Region, USGBC Maryland or USGBC Virginia award. 

Learn more and submit a nomination by October 3rd.

Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for open positions in climate and sustainability jobs! This month features several climate jobs:

• Climate Associate at CLASP
• Climate Finance Campaign Manager at Climate Reality Project
• Senior Associate, Programs at The U.S. Climate Alliance
  

Local News

Community Solar at Free Rein Farm - Free Rein Farm, LLC is developing a 1.5 MW ground-mounted, solar photovoltaic system located on an interior portion of the 83-acre farm. The project will sell 200 community solar subscriptions and produce 1.91 million kWh of solar electricity each year. (Montgomery County Green Bank)

Maryland touts $130 million in new climate funding from feds - New federal funding will support zero-emission infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the Interstate 95 corridor and natural carbon sequestration. (Maryland Matters)

Resources

Inflation Reduction Act: Buildings Provisions - Learn more about the green building and sustainable communities provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act with this slide presentation. (USGBC Policy Brief)