DOE Buildings Upgrade Prize Offers Cash, Technical Assistance for Upgrade Ideas

Last month, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Buildings Upgrade Prize (Buildings UP) to "accelerate the transformation of U.S. buildings into energy-efficient and clean energy-ready homes, commercial spaces, and communities." Buildings UP will offer "more than $22 million in cash prizes and technical assistance to teams across America with winning ideas to accelerate widespread, equitable energy efficiency and building electrification upgrades."

DOE will award prizes between $200,000 to $400,000 to 60 cross-sectoral teams through two different pathways: "Open Innovation" or "Equity-Centered Innovation," which will be focused on delivering upgrades to low- and moderate-income homes, small, disadvantaged businesses and other equity-eligible buildings. Both pathways will offer technical assistance and coaching, with Open Innovation entries eligible for $200,000 and Equity-Centered Innovation entries eligible for $400,000.

Teams can submit applications outlining their concepts during Phase I. Applications for Phase I are due July 18, 2023. Updates are available on HeroX.com.

For those interested in learning more about this program, webinars are available this week on March 7 at 1 p.m. ET and March 9 at 12 p.m. ET. Visit aceee.org to learn more.