DOE Better Buildings Alliance — Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Partnership
U.S. Department of Energy — Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Free service
Researched for this program: 3 rejection traps · 2 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Free DOE expertise and national recognition for building energy leaders
The DOE Better Buildings Alliance connects commercial building owners, operators, and industry stakeholders with DOE technical experts, peer networks, and resources to accelerate energy efficiency adoption. Partners set voluntary energy and emissions reduction goals, receive 1-on-1 technical assistance, access to DOE National Laboratory expertise, peer-to-peer learning, technology validation, and national recognition. No cash is awarded — value is free expert guidance, technical tools, and market credibility. Over 165 commercial building organizations representing 11+ billion square feet have partnered.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- Federal
- Amount
- No cash grant. Value is delivered as: (1) free access to DOE technical experts and National Laboratory staff; (2) 1-on-1 account management support; (3) proprietary energy benchmarking and tracking tools; (4) priority access to pilot programs, field demonstrations, and beta technologies; (5) Better Buildings Award recognition program.
- Realistic amount
- Not a cash program. Partners have collectively reported over $24 billion in energy cost savings across the initiative, averaging $1-5 million per partner per year depending on portfolio size and implementation.
- Deadline
- Rolling — applications accepted year-round
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- subsidized services
Who qualifies
- Commercial building owner, operator, or industry stakeholder in the United States
- Must own or manage commercial building(s) in one or more of the five market sectors: retail and food service, commercial real estate, hospitality, healthcare, or higher education
- Must commit to participate in at least one Alliance program activity per year
- Must be willing to share energy performance data with DOE (aggregated, confidential)
- No minimum building size or portfolio size requirement
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Not applicable — this is a free technical assistance and peer learning program, not a funding program
Ineligible expenses
- Not applicable — no funding is provided
How to apply
-
1
Express interest and apply online
Visit betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/alliance/join and complete the online interest form, or email BBA@ee.doe.gov. Describe your building portfolio, market sector, and energy efficiency goals.
-
2
Onboarding with DOE account manager
A DOE account manager contacts you to discuss your portfolio, goals, and how the Alliance can best serve your needs. You set voluntary energy reduction targets in consultation with DOE staff.
-
3
Access technical resources and participate in activities
Access DOE's technical tools, peer learning webinars, technology campaigns, and National Laboratory expertise. Participate in at least one program activity per year (technology campaign, peer learning session, data contribution, etc.).
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4
Track progress and share results
Report energy performance data annually using DOE's tracking tools. DOE publishes aggregate partner progress in the annual Better Buildings Progress Report. Partners who achieve goals may receive Better Buildings Award recognition.
Alliance membership signals energy leadership to tenants, investors, and lenders — and gives you a direct line to DOE National Lab engineers who can answer complex technical questions for free.
Deadline & timing
Applications accepted on a continuous rolling basis. Email BBA@ee.doe.gov to express interest or apply online.
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