DOE Report Highlights Innovative Breakthroughs in Energy-Efficient Technologies for Buildings
June 30, 2011
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a new report showcasing numerous energy-saving products and technologies, made possible through DOE research and development, which are currently available in the market or projected to enter the marketplace in the future. Because buildings consume roughly 40% of the nation's energy, more than transportation or the industrial sector, improving buildings with energy-saving products is one of the most beneficial ways to reduce energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The report, titled Buildings R&D Breakthroughs: Technologies and Products Supported by the Building Technologies Program (BTP), informs government professionals, architects, designers, manufacturers, and energy efficiency advocates about DOE project successes and next-generation innovations.
DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) authored the report, which investigates 190 research and development projects sponsored by the Department from fiscal year 2005 to 2009. The technologies detailed in the report are organized in four critical areas: building envelope, HVAC and water heating, lighting, and windows. The report highlights:
- 11 commercially available products
- 41 emerging technologies projected to enter the market within the next three years
- 68 technologies being researched for potential market introduction
Innovative products highlighted in the report include water heaters, LEDs, rooftop heating and cooling units, and windows.
The report also shows the proportion of breakthroughs resulting from DOE-funded projects at private companies, universities, and national laboratories. Private companies made the most breakthroughs, delivering 73% of commercially available products and emerging technologies and 56% of potential new technologies.
Types of Organizations with Commercially Available and Emerging Technologies
Types of Organizations with Potential Technologies
Learn more about DOE's Building Technologies Program.
