Energy Efficiency and Indoor Environmental Quality

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Energy Efficiency and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Program supports the identification of energy, indoor air quality, and lighting upgrades that can improve the health and wellbeing of building occupants while reducing energy consumption. This program investigates multiple components of IEQ including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, and how they can be improved by improvements to building energy systems including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, building envelope, windows, and interior lighting.

Energy efficiency and occupant health have often been seen as competing priorities. However, there are many modern building systems and operational solutions that can both reduce energy consumption and improve occupant health. Holistic building planning is a cornerstone for expanding sustainable infrastructure that supports occupant well-being.

FEMP and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are conducting energy efficiency and IEQ assessments at federal office buildings, hospitals, and schools. Participating agencies have included the General Services Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of the Interior. FEMP provides a comprehensive virtual training for site staff on how to set up and deploy IEQ sensors and interpret the data, and assists federal agencies in identifying energy and IEQ improvements.