The Commercial Buildings Efficiency Accelerator fact sheet describes the opportunity, technology, market transformation strategy and equity considerations for this initiative.

Commercial buildings are responsible for 35% of the electricity and 18% of the total energy consumed in the U.S., and the most energy-intensive commercial buildings in California consume between 65%-183% more energy than average buildings. Despite the clear potential for optimizing energy use and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the commercial building sector has struggled to justify investments in energy upgrades.

California’s commercial buildings represent a significant opportunity for energy savings and emissions reductions. These buildings encompass a wide range of uses, ownership structures, and energy demands, from small rural elementary schools to large urban office towers. Reducing energy and emissions from the existing building stock is crucial to achieving California’s ambitious climate goals.