The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced that New Orleans is one of two cities chosen for a pilot plan to showcase clean energy technology usage.
The program has several components in New Orleans, and all demonstrate how integrated clean energy technology solutions can be replicated in other communities and cities.
In choosing New Orleans, the DOE cites massive improvements in energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies in the city as it rebuilt homes, schools, and infrastructure.
Leveraging funding and technical assistance from DOE and NREL, New Orleans rebuilt new schools that are 30% more energy efficient than code. Through an effort led by the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership, a DOE Clean Cities coalition, the cities of New Orleans and Kenner added 39 new Regional Transit Authority buses fueled with a biodiesel blend.
Using DOE’s Builders Challenge energy-efficient homes criteria, homebuilder Green Coast Enterprises constructed the highest per-capita percentage of new homes in New Orleans that are 30% more energy efficient than code.
New Orleans also became one of DOE’s 25 Solar America Cities and is taking steps to reduce barriers and implement solar energy projects.
The DOE announcement is just another good piece of news in the otherwise recent barrage of clean technology related innovation and investment.