DOE introduces new web-based financing tool for energy efficiency projects

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently introduced a new web-based financing navigator for
energy efficiency projects.

The Better Buildings Finance Navigator is designed to help private and public organizations connect with financiers in order to discover financing solutions. The navigator covers projects of all sizes in all non-residential buildings.

“We’ve seen the financing community make tremendous progress by innovating models and mechanisms to invest in building energy efficiency,” Kathleen Hogan, deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency at DOE, said. “Now more than ever before, we can bring these smart financing solutions to the market and move forward more rapidly with energy efficiency projects and upgrades by providing the right information and making the right connections across people and programs.”

The tool allows users to connect with the Better Buildings Challenge Financial Ally community, a group of banks and other lenders committed to providing funding for energy efficiency projects. Through the Better Buildings Challenge, 30 organizations are providing $5.4 billion in financing for energy saving plans in collaboration with DOE.

DOE developed the financing navigator in consultation with the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Environmental Defense Fund, Metrus Energy, the Institute for Market Transformation, and other contributors.

The Better Buildings Initiative seeks to increase energy efficiency by 20 percent in commercial, residential, industrial and public buildings over the next decade.