APP IN A BOX
Unlocking IRA Funding for Building Codes
ABOUT
app in a box
App In A Box is designed to streamline the application process for jurisdictions applying for IRA funding from the DOE to update their building energy codes. This IRA funding will support states and local governments in this effort through September 30, 2029.
Specifically, this provision makes the following investments to assist states and units of local government with the authority to adopt building codes:
the 2022 inflation reduction act
current funding opportunities
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, Section 50131 Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes makes the following investments to state and local energy code adoption, implementation, and enforcement.
funding opportunity
$530 MILLION to adopt the latest building energy code that meeting or exceeding energy savings in the 2021 International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC) for residential buildings and the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1–2019 for commercial buildings released in DOE funding opportunity announcement (FOA).
important application deadlines
April 30, 2024
First round full applications due
May 31, 2024
Round 2 concept papers* due
*Note: DOE will encourage or discourage full application based on concept paper review.
funding opportunity
$400 MILLION to fund State activities regarding the adoption, implementation, training, enforcement, and measurement of compliance rates of specified building energy codes through an Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD).
$240 MILLION available for proposals pursuing the latest national model building energy codes, $160 MILLION available for proposals pursuing zero energy codes.
important application deadlines
January 31, 2024
Letters of intent to reserve funds
September 30, 2025
Full application rolling submissions are open until 9/30/25
important document downloads
general information
IRA FUNDING
Generally, IRA funds may provide technical assistance for:
- adoption of the latest building energy code, a zero-energy code, or equivalent building codes and standards;
- building performance standards;
- assistance with compliance and enforcement;
- workforce training;
- and for education and outreach
The specific funding ranges for each topic area defined in the FOA(s) and ALRD.
App in a Box Process
Each “box” covers a section of the application required for DOE funding, and contains DOE instructions, guidance, and template application language drafted by Architecture 2030.* Template language should be adapted and expanded as appropriate. Click on a box to get started.
- Opportunity 1 (ALRD): State entities
- States in the process of adopting or that have recently adopted latest model building codes
- Opportunity 2 (FOA): State & local entities
- States and units of local government that have the authority to adopt building codes
- Community and Labor Engagement
- Investing In Job Quality and Workforce Continuity
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
- Justice40 Initiative
- Community Partnership Documentation
* Note that App in a Box content is based on Section 50131 Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes, the DOE FOA and ALRD applications.
Requirements listed may be different than those within the recently released FOA and ALRD. This App in a Box offers template language for technical sections of the funding applications. Applicants are responsible for responding to the comprehensive requirements in DOE guidance.
APP IN A BOX
DEVELOPMENT
App in a Box was developed based on DOE publications detailing the application processes for the ALRD, FOA, and supporting documentation. Find general information about the federal application process and a link to additional funding federal opportunities below.
