Biden admin to enhance federal buildings with $1B climate-friendly package.

Upgrading Federal Buildings to Combat Climate Change

Almost $1 billion from a federal law will be allocated toward upgrading federal buildings as part of the Biden administration’s latest attempt to address climate change.

The U.S. General Services Administration announced plans on Tuesday to use $975 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for the climate-friendly upgrades, which will meet electricity and energy efficiency needs. The initiative, which is a part of President Joe Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan, is estimated to create 5,000 clean energy jobs per year.

Transforming Federal Buildings into Clean Energy Innovations

“Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re transforming federal buildings into models of next-generation clean energy innovation and creating good jobs in communities across the country,” GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan said.

Roughly 20% of the federal buildings managed by the GSA will be affected, according to the government agency’s press release. The upgrade package includes 28 achieving net-zero emissions and 100 more buildings becoming all-electric.

“Today’s historic announcement shows how the federal government can catalyze climate action by setting a leading example,” said John Podesta, senior adviser to the president for clean energy innovation and implementation.

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, one of the plan’s most notable projects, will receive up to $13.5 million in funding. The money will go toward installing heat pumps and 57,000 LED light bulbs, both of which are expected to cut the building’s energy use by 40%.

The Biden administration plans to reduce emissions in federal buildings by 50% over the next 10 years as part of its larger goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

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