Advancing Window Retrofits and Reducing Fireplace Air Leaks to Improve Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings

This grant funding opportunity aims to advance energy efficiency research in California's existing building stock through two distinct funding groups. Group 1 focuses on high-performance window retrofits for commercial buildings, while Group 2 addresses strategies to reduce fireplace air leaks in residential buildings. The solicitation targets California's approximately 14 million single-family and multi-family residential units and nearly 7.5 billion square feet of commercial building space. Given that the U.S. Department of Energy estimates over 60 percent of current residential buildings and 40 percent of commercial buildings will still exist in 2050, improving energy efficiency in existing structures is critical for meeting California's decarbonization goals. Many existing buildings, particularly those constructed before current energy codes were implemented, experience significant air and energy leakage that increases heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption. Addressing envelope retrofits through window improvements and fireplace air leak reduction will contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions across the state.

Key deadlines for this solicitation include a Questions Deadline of October 21, 2022 at 5:00 PM and a Submission Deadline of December 9, 2022 at 11:59 PM. A pre-application workshop was held on October 11, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM via remote access to provide guidance to potential applicants. The solicitation aligns with California's Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) objectives and supports the state's broader climate and decarbonization initiatives. Funding is administered by the California Energy Commission's Energy Research and Development Division through the Natural Gas Program.

Prospective applicants should note that this solicitation has been awarded as of March 7, 2022. The award notice includes a cover letter identifying the Energy Commission agreement officer and a results table detailing the successful proposals. For current inquiries regarding this solicitation, interested parties should contact the Energy Commission agreement officer listed in the Notice of Proposed Award cover letter.