Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial - March 31, 2025
Washington State Provides Clean Building Grants
The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $45 million in Clean Buildings Performance grants to 70 building owners across the state.
The building owners include private and public entities who will use the funds to make energy-efficient upgrades that support compliance with the state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).
The Department of Commerce also launched the Energy Audit Incentive Program, allocating an additional $14.5 million from the state budget to help public building owners, such as schools, cities, and state agencies, pay for energy audits. The audits assess building energy performance and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
“Commerce is eager to help building owners across Washington cut energy costs while advancing our state’s clean energy future,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyen in a statement. “By improving energy efficiency, we’re reducing emissions, creating jobs, and ensuring that communities — especially those in rural and underserved areas — benefit from a healthier, more sustainably built environment and a stronger local economy.”
The grants will support a wide range of energy-saving building retrofits at 21 publicly owned buildings and 49 private building owners, including the following:
- Upgrading lighting to efficient LEDs
- Modernizing heating and cooling systems
- Implementing smart building controls to optimize energy use
- Developing compliance documentation, such as energy benchmarking reports, operations and maintenance, and energy management plans
Buildings are the second-largest source of GHG emissions in Washington, accounting for 25% of statewide emissions. These grants will reimburse building owners for energy-saving projects and services, helping to lower emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce utility costs. Funding is from the Climate Commitment Act.
The Pasco School District received nearly $2 million to make energy efficiency upgrades to its HVAC system by installing 24 heat pumps and upgrading the hot water recirculation system, in addition to other assessments and optimizations at more than 20 district buildings.
In Yakima, Megalodon Properties is making energy-efficient upgrades to the Larsen Building, an 11-story art deco landmark.
In southeastern Washington, Walla Walla University is using grant funding for lighting and envelope upgrades, as well as compliance reporting. The building envelope includes the walls, windows, roof, and foundation.
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