Washington State Awards $55.5M to Help Building Owners Make Energy Efficiency Upgrades
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state’s Department of Commerce awarded $45 million in Clean Buildings Performance Grant funding to 70 building owners to allow them to make energy-efficient upgrades that support compliance with the state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard.
The department also launched the Energy Audit Incentive Program, allocating an additional $14.5 million from the state budget to help public building owners pay for energy audits. The audits assess building energy performance and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
“Commerce is eager to help building owners across Washington cut energy costs while advancing our state’s clean energy future,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn in a press release. “By improving energy efficiency, we’re reducing emissions, creating jobs, and ensuring that communities — especially those in rural and underserved areas — benefit from a healthier, more sustainably built environment and a stronger local economy.”
The grants will support a wide range of energy-saving building retrofits, including:
- Upgrading lighting to efficient LEDs.
- Modernizing heating and cooling systems.
- Implementing smart building controls to optimize energy use.
- Developing compliance documentation, such as energy benchmarking reports, operations and maintenance, and energy management plans.
In Yakima, Megalodon Properties is making energy-efficient upgrades to the Larson Building, an 11-story art deco landmark.
“The energy upgrades at the Larson Building will breathe new life into a historic structure while preserving its architectural charm for future generations,” said Larry Hull of Megalodon Properties. “For tenants — including nonprofits, first responders, and other professionals — these improvements will enhance comfort, quietness and sustainability, reinforcing the building’s role as a vital community hub.”
According to the release, buildings are the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, accounting for 25% of statewide emissions. These grants will reimburse building owners for energy-saving projects and services, helping to lower emissions, improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
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