flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Federal renewable energy mandate prompts retrofits

Energy Efficiency

Federal renewable energy mandate prompts retrofits

Agencies must get 30% of electricity from renewables by 2025


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 25, 2015

Photovoltaic array on top of the Forrestal Building in Washington, D.C.

An executive order from President Barack Obama requires federal agencies to get at least 30% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

To meet this mandate, agencies are considering retrofitting buildings including, in some cases, the restoration of the original interior plans and the addition of PVs. Many buildings constructed before 1940 were built with daylighting and natural ventilation. 

Over the years, the interior of those historic buildings may have been divided into private offices. Agencies could restore those spaces to their original look, thereby returning daylight.

Many federal buildings’ rooftops will likely be outfitted with solar panels. Some structures will require roof replacement as part of solar projects. Some will also require electrical service upgrades.

Related Stories

Legislation | Apr 11, 2022

Dept. of Energy releases RFI for K-12 schools energy upgrade program

The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) released a Request for Information (RFI) to help decide how best to spend $500 million from the recently passed federal infrastructure law for K-12 public school energy upgrades.

Codes and Standards | Apr 8, 2022

Dept. of Energy boosts energy efficiency standards for federal buildings

The Department of Energy’s recently released new energy efficiency standards for federal buildings.

Multifamily Housing | Apr 7, 2022

Ken Soble Tower becomes world’s largest residential Passive House retrofit

The project team for the 18-story high-rise for seniors slashed the building’s greenhouse gas emissions by 94 percent and its heating energy demand by 91 percent.

Multifamily Housing | Mar 31, 2022

Mixed-use affordable housing project aims for zero waste

The Peninsula in the Bronx, N.Y., a mixed-use affordable housing campus, just opened its first phase.

Legislation | Mar 28, 2022

LEED Platinum office tower faces millions in fines due to New York’s Local Law 97

One Bryant Park, also known as the Bank of America Tower, in Manhattan faces an estimated $2.4 million in annual fines when New York City’s York’s Local Law 97 goes into effect.

Energy-Efficient Design | Mar 25, 2022

University of Pittsburgh Releases ‘Pitt Climate Action Plan’

The University of Pittsburgh has released the Pitt Climate Action Plan, detailing how the University will achieve its goal to go carbon neutral by 2037 through investments in clean energy, transportation, efficiency and other areas.

Codes and Standards | Mar 24, 2022

New York senate moves to speed up fossil fuel ban in new buildings

Lawmakers in the New York State Senate are backing a proposal to ban fossil fuels in new building construction three years sooner than a plan proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.  

Education Facilities | Feb 24, 2022

New ASU science and tech building features innovative sustainability elements

Arizona State University’s Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 7, completed in December 2021, was constructed with numerous innovative sustainability elements.

Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Feb 17, 2022

Metal roofing trends

New ideas in design and constructability are radically changing how metal systems are used as roofing for commercial and institutional buildings. Behind the investment in these new kinds of expressions and construction approaches is a growing interest in improved performance and reduced environmental impact. Metal roofing systems can cut cooling and heating loads significantly, according to the EPA.

Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 1, 2021

Seizing the Daylight with BIPV Glass

Glass has always been an idea generator. Now, it’s also a clean energy generator.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021