The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

For decades, model building energy codes have driven steady efficiency improvements in buildings, saving families and businesses money.  But changes under consideration for the next code cycle could stall—or even reverse—those gains. A new proposal from the body that develops the standards, International Code Council, would allow efficiency requirements to stagnate, or even weaken—raising long-term energy costs for families and businesses, increasing vulnerability to future energy price volatility, and setting a precedent for future cycles.  Buildings built under these codes will be occupied for decades, so decisions made in this cycle will shape energy costs for the people who live and work in them for years to come. Learn more in our new post from Skye Gruen⬇️  https://lnkd.in/eVgvWKtN

Building new power plants for data centers "will be more expensive and a greater risk" than alternatives like using demand flexibility, ACEEE's Forest Bradley Wright tells Inside Climate News. ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/evwndhsH

How can energy efficiency and demand flexibility help meet rapid electric demand growth? ACEEE’s Mike Specian, Ph.D. went on Buildings Hub Live to discuss our recent report. Check it out here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/e4tvsP_d

At this year's Hot Air & Hot Water Forum, ACEEE's Executive Director Jennifer Layke hosted a fireside chat for a wide-ranging discussion that covered the state of energy efficiency in air and water heating and cooling, where manufacturers and efficiency advocates can find common ground, and how the industry can continue moving forward together. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this session, and to our speakers for a thoughtful conversation. #HotWaterHotAir26

Kicking off the 2026 Hot Water & Hot Air Forums today. Rheem Manufacturing's Joe Boros set the tone perfectly: "uncertainty and opportunity." The regulatory picture is murky. But the opportunity to drive efficiency in water heating and HVAC systems is as clear as ever. #HotWaterHotAir26

Long-haul and regional trucks are essential to the U.S. economy, moving everything from consumer goods to raw materials and agricultural products across the country. However, despite representing only 4–6% of vehicles on the road, these trucks produce 23% of transportation emissions and over half of NOx and PM2.5 emissions. That’s why many states are planning for a #ZeroEmission freight future. But what does that look like, and how do states, utilities, and other stakeholders know where and how to invest to get the most bang for their buck? We modeled six scenarios, finding that building #electric charging stations for heavy-duty trucks is a far more cost-effective way to #decarbonize the sector than building #hydrogen fueling stations. “Heavy-duty electric trucks are arriving faster than many expected, and so states need to act strategically and soon to enable a smooth, cost-effective transition,” said ACEEE’s Rachel Aland, about the findings. “Shared electric charging hubs can lower the cost of electrifying freight while delivering cleaner air and economic benefits to communities along major freight routes.” Learn more about what a zero-emission future can look like⬇️  https://lnkd.in/eQiNRsPQ

States, industries, and utilities are making critical decisions about how to invest in and plan for infrastructure for zero-emission trucks. With limited federal guidance and rapidly evolving technology, these choices carry significant cost, reliability, and coordination implications.  Join us for a webinar as we explore the state of technology for battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, including the infrastructure requirements, costs, and risks associated with different investment pathways.  https://lnkd.in/exqAwAqf  

Shameless Commerce, one of our most popular activities, is back for the 2026 Hot Water Forum and Hot Air Forum! Don't miss this evening of fun, rapid-fire pitches on new products and services in the water- and space-heating industries. Each pitch will be followed by brief audience Q&A. Got a breakthrough in water or space heating? Take the stage at Shameless Commerce during #HotWaterHotAir26

Are you attending our 2026 Hot Water and Hot Air Forums in Phoenix? Then consider joining us for an off-site visit to the Southwest Building Science Training Center! The SWBSTC provides specialized technical training in #weatherization and energy efficiency, with a focus on hands-on laboratory learning. Our#HotWaterHotAir26 visit will include: 🏭A tour of the specialized building science lab 📊Demonstrations of test procedures 🗣️A discussion and Q&A with an SWBSTC Training Manager Learn more and sign up today!

A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today would repeal the $4.5 billion High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program, which helps low- and moderate-income Americans reduce their energy bills through energy-saving home upgrades.  “These rebates are beginning to help families around the country make home energy upgrades that cut their utility bills,” said ACEEE Executive Director, Jennifer Layke. “Pulling the rug out from under this program as so many face rising energy costs is callous. It is a blow to affordability.”  https://lnkd.in/evz9kgJW