Dept. of Energy to award up to $33.5 million for advanced construction R&D

The U.S. Department of Energy says it will make up to $33.5 million available for early-stage research and development of advanced building construction techniques to reduce energy bills.

DOE will accept concept papers for solutions aimed at both commercial and residential buildings. The techniques should be usable for energy efficiencies after building retrofits, with goals that include a 75% reduction in major loads from HVAC systems.

DOE is also looking for construction technologies that can help new buildings achieve a 50% increase in energy efficiency by using offsite manufacturing, robotics, digitization, automation, and improved modeling. Another category, Advanced Technology Integration, focuses on field validation of new innovative technologies and building practices, workforce training, and service delivery methods suited to regional and/or local needs, including those related to building stock, regional climates, and grid characteristics.

Those seeking grants must submit concept papers by June 10. The deadline to submit a full application is August 12.