DOE Finalizes Clean Energy Rule for Federal Buildings

Executive briefing: On December 21, 2023 the U.S. Department of Energy finalized the Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings Rule. The regulation phases out on-site fossil fuel use in new federal buildings and major renovations beginning in fiscal year 2025, with 90% reductions by 2025 and full elimination by 2030.

Key compliance signals

• Scope. The rule applies to new federal construction and major renovations exceeding $2.5 million, covering heating, hot water, and cooking systems.
• Targets. Agencies must achieve 90% fossil-fuel reductions relative to 2003 baseline codes in 2025–2029 projects, moving to net-zero onsite fossil fuel use from 2030 onward.
• Reporting. Agencies must certify compliance and track fossil fuel consumption reductions in project documentation.

Control alignment

• Design standards. Integrate electrification, high-efficiency heat pumps, and renewable energy into federal project specifications.
• Procurement. Update solicitations and contractor requirements to reflect fossil-fuel-free performance.
• Facilities planning. Coordinate with GSA and agency facility teams on retrofit prioritization to meet phased targets.

Action checklist

• Assess federal project pipelines to identify designs requiring electrification upgrades.
• Develop compliance reporting templates capturing fossil fuel use baselines and reduction trajectories.
• Engage contractors on material and equipment availability supporting all-electric building systems.

Sources

• DOE — Clean Energy for Federal Buildings Final Rule Announcement (December 21, 2023)
• Federal Register — Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings Rule

Zeph Tech assists federal agencies and contractors in meeting DOE’s fossil-fuel-free building mandates through electrification roadmaps.

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