The Federal Justice40 Initiative directs at least 40% of the overall benefits of certain clean energy investments reach disadvantaged communities (DACs) and requires that all federal programs covered by Justice40 consult stakeholders to determine the program benefits. Additionally, Justice40 also requires that programs track and report on those benefits. Unequal distribution of clean energy benefits means that certain communities unjustly experience higher rates of pollution, negative health effects, and increased energy burdens. Programs focused on decarbonizing the built environment can enhance quality of life and contribute to economic opportunities for impacted communities.
Centering stakeholders in technology deployment activities
The Guidance for Integrating Energy Justice and Equity in Building Technology Deployment Programs document provides metrics and recommended practices for incorporating energy justice and equity (EJE) principles into building technology deployment activities. It provides recommended practices and recommendations for communicating with and involving DACs and target building sectors (such as small or disinvested buildings) in program activities. This guidance document is accompanied by an Energy Justice and Equity in Building Energy Systems Technology (EJE-BEST) tool which enables programs to track and report the flow of benefits from BTO deployment activities to DACs, disinvested buildings, and target sectors.
This guide and accompanying EJE-BEST tool are tailored to support building system technology deployment teams in tracking, reporting, and maximizing the flow of benefits from BTO deployment activities to DACs, disinvested buildings, and target sectors. The methodology proposed in the guidance document and utilized in EJE-BEST is aligned with the J40 Initiative. The EJE-BEST tool allows teams to set a baseline at the beginning of a new program or a new fiscal year. It also streamlines data collection and aligns the resulting report with both Justice40 directives and team EJE goals.
Although this guidance is originally intended for Department of Energy Building Technologies Office programs, it can be used and applied by anyone involved in the equitable deployment of energy-saving technology in buildings or those interested in better integrating energy justice and equity into their work.