Maryland Clean Buildings Hub
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Building decarbonization is the process of reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. The benefits of building decarbonization include greater energy efficiency, lower energy costs, improved health, safety, and comfort, as well as enhanced building resilience and reliability in the face of disasters or emergencies. The three main strategies to achieve building decarbonization are:
- Improving energy efficiency
- Replacing fossil fuel-powered appliances and systems with electric alternatives (this process is commonly referred to as electrification)
- Utilizing onsite renewables and/or renewable-generated electricity provided by the utility.
The Maryland Clean Buildings Hub (the Hub), an initiative of the Maryland Energy Administration, empowers Maryland’s building owners to make well-informed energy investments in their properties by connecting them to financial, educational, and technical assistance.
- Take stock of your current equipment and systems. Conduct a building or home energy assessment or audit to understand how your building or home is using energy and areas for improvement.
- Review any State requirements. Large buildings (35,000 square feet or greater) may be subject to Maryland’s Building Energy Performance Standards. Learn more about the requirements here.
- Make a retrofit plan. We’ve compiled resources to help you better understand alternatives to fossil-fuel powered systems here.
- Discover incentives. There are many grants, rebates, tax credits, and financing solutions for energy efficiency, electrification, and onsite renewable energy. Many of these incentives can be combined to maximize savings. Research available incentives based on your building type here.
The Hub communicates relevant funding and financing announcements, resources, events, case studies, and more in a monthly newsletter. Sign up to be added to our distribution list. 