Buildings have become a primary target in the national effort to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.

A new report from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reveals that federal investments in that effort have been a big success.

The report, “2024 Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report,” was published on Sept. 16, 2024. It highlights the achievements of the DOE program to partner with the public and private sector to decarbonize and increase the energy efficiency of buildings.

According to the report, energy-efficiency improvements have saved program partners nearly $22 billion since 2011. It is also credited with cutting greenhouse gas emissions by more than 220 million metric tons at the same time.

The Better Buildings Initiative is designed to help accelerate cost-effective decarbonization solutions in buildings across multiples sectors, including commercial, industrial and residential. It does so by highlighting best practices and disseminating information to participants. Partners share effective energy-efficiency strategies with others to encourage them to take similar steps.

Partners represent a broad cross-section of businesses and government agencies, including such recognizable names as Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Nestle USA, California State University, Channel Islands, the city of West Palm Beach, Fla., and others.

The report highlights several notable achievements for the year. For example, 23 partners achieved their goals in emissions reductions, energy and water use, waste mitigation and other metrics. Forty-one partners received awards for “innovative and industry leading accomplishments.” Additionally, more than 120 partners met a portfolio-wide energy reduction goal since the start of the program, and nearly 20 have achieved an emissions reduction goal.

The program is also helping to advance specific energy-saving technology. Specifically, the report says that eight manufacturers and more than 20 building owners and operators joined the so-called “Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator,” which is bringing new heat pump technologies to market that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs by up to 50% compared to conventional equipment.