Wind turbines (Photo courtesy of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
s the United States shifts to a climate-friendly system of power generation, the footprint of energy development across the landscape will expand. Sometimes referred to as “energy sprawl,” this infrastructure is increasingly being sited on lands that provide important wildlife habitat. Concerted efforts are needed now to help ensure that clean-energy facilities are built expeditiously but in a way that does not destroy or fragment wildlife habitat more than necessary. The need to build power generation and transmission facilities, as well as the associated greenhouse gas emissions, can also be reduced by increasing the efficiency with which we use energy. In short, when it comes to preserving our intact landscapes, how we use energy is as important as where we decide to locate our energy facilities.
Strategy
Expedite the sensitive siting of energy infrastructure and reduce energy demand by increasing energy efficiency in the buildings sector through the following activities:
- Expedite the sensitive siting of energy infrastructure. Grants support efforts to inform federal energy and land management policies and to reconcile the needs of wildlife with increased energy development.
- Reduce energy demand by increasing energy efficiency in the buildings sector. Grants reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions by supporting the adoption of codes and standards that mandate building efficiencies and by supporting innovative mechanisms to achieve building efficiency retrofits at scale.
Future Grants
In 2010, the foundation will invite organizations to apply for grants under this strategy.
For information on the availability of grants for specific projects, review the Environment Program’s Grantmaking Process & Funding Opportunities page.