Federal grant supports sustainability efforts

Published on September 16, 2024

Lakewood is one of only 19 agencies across the country to receive a highly competitive federal grant that will be used to support owners of the city’s largest buildings to increase energy efficiency, transition to clean energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $5 million grant to the city’s Sustainability & Community Development Department. The department will use the grant to develop a building performance program focused on commercial, multifamily and public buildings.

“This grant is a major win for our sustainability goals and demonstrates just how much effort Lakewood is putting into creating a sustainable and green future,” said Mayor Wendi Strom. “With these funds, we will be able to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and create local green jobs.”

Buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Lakewood because of the energy needed to operate systems such as lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. Buildings represent 42 percent of the city’s overall climate-changing emissions.

Key program benefits

• An equitable building performance program that will provide resources to building owners, support the transition to clean energy sources, and invest in local workforce development of “green” jobs.
• Energy benchmarking will allow owners to regularly monitor and report their building’s energy use to track changes over time, which can provide a roadmap to achieve efficiency improvements.

The city will be collaborating with building owners, residents, technical experts and other community members to develop this program. To learn more and get involved, visit the project page.

Para ver este comunicado en otro idioma, lea la publicación en Lakewood.org y seleccione un idioma en el menú desplegable encima de la barra de búsqueda.