Energy efficient building grant program

(a)

Energy Efficient Building Pilot Grant Program

(1)

In general

Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy (in this Act referred to as the Secretary) shall establish a pilot program to award grants to businesses and organizations for new construction of energy efficient buildings, or major renovations of buildings that will result in energy efficient buildings, to demonstrate innovative energy efficiency technologies, especially those sponsored by the Department of Energy. (2)

Awards

The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection competitively to those applicants whose proposals— (A)best demonstrate— (i)likelihood to meet or exceed the standards referred to in subsection (b)(2); (ii)likelihood to maximize cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities; and (iii)advanced energy efficiency technologies; and (B)maximize the leverage of private investment for costs related to increasing the energy efficiency of the building. (3)

Consideration

The Secretary shall give due consideration to proposals for buildings that are likely to serve low and moderate income populations. (4)

Amount of grants

Grants under this subsection shall be for up to 50 percent of design and energy modeling costs, not to exceed $50,000 per building. No single grantee may be eligible for more than 3 grants per year under this program. (5)

Grant payments

(A)

Initial payment

The Secretary shall pay 50 percent of the total amount of the grant to grant recipients upon selection. (B)

Remainder of payment

The Secretary shall pay the remaining 50 percent of the grant only after independent certification, by a professional engineer or other qualified professional, that operational buildings are energy efficient buildings as defined in subsection (b). (C)

Failure to comply

The Secretary shall not provide the remainder of the payment unless the building is certified within 6 months after operation of the completed building to meet the requirements described in subparagraph (B), or in the case of major renovations the building is certified within 6 months of the completion of the renovations. (6)

Report to congress

Not later than 3 years after awarding the first grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report containing— (A)the total number and dollar amount of grants awarded under this subsection; and (B)an estimate of aggregate cost and energy savings enabled by the pilot program under this subsection. (7)

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses for the program under this subsection shall not exceed 10 percent of appropriated funds. (b)

Definition of Energy Efficient Building

For purposes of this section the term energy efficient building means a building that— (1)achieves a reduction in energy consumption of— (A)at least 30 percent for new construction, compared to the energy standards set by the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (in the case of residential buildings) or ASHRAE Standard 90.1–2004; or (B)at least 20 percent for major renovations, compared to energy consumption before renovations are begun; (2)is constructed or renovated in accordance with the most current, appropriate, and applicable voluntary consensus standards, as determined by the Secretary, such as those listed in the assessment under section 914(b), or revised or developed under section 914(c), of the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and (3)after construction or renovation— (A)uses heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems that perform at no less than Energy Star standards; or (B)if Energy Star standards are not applicable, uses Federal Energy Management Program recommended heating, ventilating, and air conditioning products. (c)

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.