Part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's integrated portfolio of programs, the Building Technologies Program works to improve the efficiency of buildings and the equipment, components, and systems within them. The building program demonstrates the bottom-line benefits of new technologies and building practices, and promotes their widespread use.

The following guide provides a snapshot of building program areas and initiatives: who we are, what we do, who we work with, and how to partner with us. Another helpful tool is EnergyPartners, a one-stop resource for information on building programs, partnerships, and project results.

Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards
	What we do		Develop test procedures and minimum efficiency standards for residential appliances and commercial equipment.
	Who we work with		Product manufacturers, designers, utilities, and other government agencies and consumers
	How to partner		The Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Web site provides an overview of energy efficiency standards as well as specific information and scheduling for participation in the energy efficiency standards and test procedure rulemaking process.
Building America
	What we do		Support research and development activities that produce homes that use up to 70% less energy, with little or no increase in construction costs. Building America homes incorporate energy- and material-saving technologies and building practices.
	Who we work with		Building America has five consortia, comprised of a total of more than 270 companies. Members of each consortium include architects, engineers, builders, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, community planners, mortgage lenders, and contractor trades.
	How to partner		The Building America Web Site provides information about participation in this program.
Building Energy Codes
	What we do		Support development of more stringent and easier-to-understand building energy codes; develop downloadable compliance tools and materials; and provide technical and financial assistance to help states adopt, implement, and enforce building energy codes.
	Who we work with		Code officials, builders, designers, states
	How to partner		The Building Energy Codes Web site provides additional information on energy code implementation in your state.
Emerging Technologies
	What we do		Support R&D for the next generation of energy-efficient components, materials, and equipment.
	Who we work with		Manufacturers, national laboratories, universities
	How to partner		See the Solicitations area of this Web site for information on Buildings solicitations.
ENERGY STAR
	What we do		Develop technical requirements and qualifications defining ENERGY STAR status, and work with manufacturers, retailers, and utilities to promote the manufacture and use of ENERGY STAR products.
	Who we work with		Manufacturers, retailers, utilities, schools, and businesses
	How to partner		The ENERGY STAR Web site provides specific guidance on how to join ENERGY STAR
High Performance Buildings
	What we do		Work with architects, engineers, builders, contractors, owners, and occupants to optimize building performance, comfort, and savings through a whole-building approach to design and construction.
	Who we work with		Architects, engineers, builders, contractors, owners, and occupants
	How to partner		The High Performance Buildings Web site provides detailed instructions, including criteria for participation and a research application.
Zero Energy Buildings
	What we do		DOE and its partners are bringing together expertise in energy efficiency and renewable energy to perform research with, design, and construct new buildings that produce as well as consume energy. Currently the initiative is focused on new residential construction. Four home building teams are designing and constructing homes that are at least 50% more efficient than average homes and employ solar electric or solar hot water systems (or both) to offset energy from the utility provider. These prototype homes are also being used to conduct research to improve building design and technologies.
	Who we work with		National Laboratories, energy consultants, production home builders
	How to partner		Current solicitations (when available) are posted on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Contracting Opportunities Web page.

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