Energy.gov

The Building Technologies Office (BTO) collaborates with the residential building industry to improve the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes. By developing, demonstrating, and deploying cost-effective solutions, BTO strives to reduce by 2025, the energy use for space conditioning and water heating in single-family homes by 40% from 2010 levels.

Research and Development

• Conduct research that focuses on engineering solutions to design, test, and build or upgrade homes through Building America.

• Access expert information on hundreds of high-performance design and construction topics in the Building America Solution Center.

Market Stimulation

• Use a whole building approach for home upgrades through ENERGY STAR^®.

• Evaluate home energy performance through Home Energy Score.

• Expand the community of energy efficiency programs and partners through the Better Buildings Residential Network.

• Access the Better Building Residential Program Solution Center for a one-stop shop for energy upgrade program administrators and partners to more effectively plan, implement, manage and evaluate their programs.

• Provide resources that promote high-quality work and ensure a qualified workforce with our Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals.

• Demonstrate market strategies to overcome barriers to energy saving home improvements through the Home Improvement Catalyst.

• Students also have the opportunity to participate in the U.S. DOE Race to Zero Student Design Competition.

• Promote the use of energy efficient technologies and methods by builders through the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program.

Building Codes and Equipment Standards

• Provide a wide range of information, tools, and training resources to support the adoption and use of residential building energy codes.

• Develop test procedures and minimum appliance and equipment efficiency standards for homes.

Get Informed, Get Involved

• Partner with DOE to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Home builders, governments, researchers, and universities have several opportunities to work with the Building Technologies Office and other DOE projects.

• Take action to save energy at home. Learn how to build or buy an energy-efficient new home; improve or remodel your existing home; and quick tips for saving energy at home today.

• About BTO's Residential Program: Learn more about what the Residential Program does to improve home energy efficiency.