DOE Announces New Funding Opportunity to Support Building Energy Code Adoption

On March 4, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the allocation of $90 million in Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) funding to support the adoption, training and technical assistance of building energy codes at the state, territorial, tribal and local levels. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to promote modern building energy codes and is available to support the adoption and improved implementation of updated energy codes. Unlike DOE’s Inflation Reduction Act grants, RECI funding is not tied to strict adherence to the 2021 IECC but rather can support any improvement in energy codes. Concept papers for these grants are due April 5 by 5 pm ET.

By accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient building codes, the initiative seeks to lower energy costs for households and businesses, enhance community resilience to climate change impacts and help achieve clean energy and climate goals. The funds provided will support states, tribal governments and partner organizations in adopting and implementing these codes, with an additional focus on improving grid reliability and reducing property damage during extreme weather events.

The FOA represents the second round of Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) funding and builds upon the 27 awards that were announced in 2023. The prior awards included activities such as workforce development; community engagement; research and data collection; and increased support for compliance and enforcement.

Eligible Activities for Funding

DOE’s RECI grant focuses on enhancing building energy codes and solutions for their implementation to improve energy efficiency, resilience and equity across various sectors. Key areas of focus include technical assistance for state, territory, tribal and local code updates with additional emphasis on high-impact areas; implementation and compliance assistance with an emphasis on rural communities; workforce development and training; utilizing utility data to validate energy savings; and assisting disadvantaged communities.

These activities can include:

• Purchasing print or online publications to support building code activities
• Utilizing code official training and certification, including the Code Council’s When Disaster Strikes Institute
• Implementing electronic permitting, virtual inspection technology and remote building codes administration
• Applying for building department accreditation
• Utilizing consulting services to support activities related to building codes, including adoptions and updates

How to Apply for DOE Funding Opportunities

Applications must include a state, territory or tribal code adoption entity and be submitted either by that entity alone or as part of a partnership. This partnership may involve various stakeholders such as local code agencies; code and standards developers; associations of builders, design and construction professionals; utilities; and consumer energy and environmental advocates.

To submit a full application, you must first submit a concept paper. Concept papers are due April 5, 2024, at 5 PM ET.

Full applications are due June 6, 2024, at 5 PM ET.

Federal Grant Support Through the Code Council

The Code Council was involved in eight successful RECI applications in the 2023 cycle, seeing a diverse representation of states and communities across the U.S. benefiting from this funding.

The Code Council can provide guidance on project topics as well as past examples of successful applications. To schedule a consultation with the Code Council’s grants guru, click here. You can also visit the RECI grant webpage for more information.