Addressing the energy used in buildings, particularly from heating and cooling, is important to reducing energy use, costs and associated GHG emissions. Climate action strategies include encouraging energy efficiency in new buildings as well as efficiency retrofits for existing buildings. Strategies also include encouraging the growth of housing types that utilize less energy, such as apartments, town homes, and tiny homes as options for Raleigh residents.
Rating systems for efficiency like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and EnergySTAR certify buildings that use design, materials, and technology to reduce energy use and utilize other best practice sustainable design benefits. The City sets a standard for energy efficiency, with a LEED Silver standard in new construction for city facilities. The City also uses energy tracking technologies and software to identify opportunities for building improvements.