Building Modernization Legislative Toolkit

About this Report:

New technologies are rapidly changing the way we use energy in our homes and businesses. But in many U.S. states, the legal and regulatory status quo includes barriers to adopting these technologies. This toolkit, the work of RAP and various expert partners, is a free resource for legislators and policymakers who want to address these barriers in their states. It covers seven topic areas where reforms will be key to clearing the way for building modernization: access to decision-making, weatherization and home retrofit, funding and finance, codes and performance standards, electrification, gas and workforce development.

For each of these topics, the toolkit includes policy background, resources and, most importantly, detailed exploration of legislative options states can pursue, drawing on examples from across the country. Proactive policy action can ensure that buildings are modernized in a way that produces health, environmental and economic benefits for everyone.

Check out our blog series on the toolkit

Tackling the Job of Building Modernization: A Toolkit for State Decision-Makers

An introduction to our Building Modernization blog series. View +

Opening the Door: How Officials Can Improve Access to Energy Decision-Making

Energy costs and the impacts of climate change both fall most heavily on overburdened communities. Without wide-ranging public input, policy decisions to address these challenges are less likely to result in equitable outcomes. The toolkit outlines options to set requirements for state agencies in general, or public utility commissions or environmental regulators specifically, to ensure inclusive access. View +

A Chance to Transform Weatherization Programs

Energy-burdened households’ need for financial assistance far outweighs the amount available via federal programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program. State action can fill this gap to help improve energy efficiency, comfort and health. Funding can specifically target homes that need repairs, such as mold remediation, before weatherization can be done effectively. Cutting-edge examples from states include providing authorization and direction to state agencies that take a more holistic approach, improving coordination, “braiding” funds from different programs together and offering a one-stop-shop application process. View +

Time for a System Update: Financing our Buildings’ Future

Most states already have funding and finance policies; however, existing funding policies may not be updated to address current technologies or may not be effectively reaching all segments of society. Innovative policy options from other states could provide examples of how states can help households and businesses mitigate the cost of modernizing their buildings’ energy use. These include rebates, loans and grants; direct installation programs; income tax credits and deductions; and sales tax exemptions or reductions. View +

To Save Energy, Cities Turn to Building Performance Standards

Up-to-date energy codes can produce significant health, environmental and economic benefits but are not always updated to take full advantage of current efficient, electrified technologies. Building codes also address new buildings but do nothing to modernize buildings built decades ago. Consequently, some states and localities are going beyond the traditional options to experiment with a more holistic approach in the form of building performance standards to ensure buildings aren’t stuck in the past. View +

In the Electrification Push, Familiar Tools Get Repurposed

Legislation may be needed to remove various barriers to households going electric, such as prohibitions on fuel switching. The toolkit suggests options for states where policy direction is needed for public utility commissions to create beneficial electrification plans, revise planning processes and promote equity. View +

Prudent Gas System Planning Can Minimize Risk

As policymakers, utilities and consumers all rethink how to meet their space and water heating needs, the role played by fossil gas will change, and the approach to system planning needs to change likewise. The toolkit focuses on planning and line extension policies; it also introduces the idea of clean heat standards, currently under consideration in several states. View +

Navigating the Workforce Bottleneck

Without enough qualified workers to weatherize homes and install new appliances, the energy transition will be less affordable and slower than necessary. States have an opportunity to open up new education and training paths, especially for potential workers from overburdened populations. Vocational programs can be designed for students to earn as they learn. View +

Building Modernization Legislative Toolkit

Decarbonize the Grid

Electrify Buildings and Transportation

Design a Clean Energy Future