Maryland is Moving Towards Cleaner Buildings for All
Homes, schools, offices, and apartment buildings are the places where our lives unfold, keeping us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But many of these buildings were designed for a different era — they can waste energy and pollute the air if they haven’t been updated.
When we turn on the heat or run hot water in many buildings, we’re often burning oil or gas. That releases climate-warming pollution into the air. In fact, the energy used in our buildings is one of the largest sources of climate and air pollution in Maryland. Improving our buildings is one of the biggest chances we have to cut emissions, lower utility bills, and create healthier air for all.
That’s why Maryland is working toward cleaner energy. In 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Climate Solutions Now Act. The law sets clear, science-based targets: reduce statewide climate pollution to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. This work is about more than policies and targets — it’s about healthier air, lower energy costs for families, and a stronger, more resilient Maryland for the next generation.
Programs
Energy Efficiency Improvements
These proven energy efficiency measures can reduce operating costs for building owners and are generally feasible to implement at any time:
- Conduct an energy audit, often available through your local utility, to identify savings opportunities.
- Upgrade to LED lighting to reduce electricity use while maintaining high-quality illumination.
- Choose ENERGY STAR–certified equipment for improved efficiency and lower utility bills.
- Improve weatherization of the building envelope through air sealing and insulation to reduce energy loss.
- Retro-commission building systems to ensure heating, cooling, and ventilation are operating at peak performance.
- Install modern control systems to better manage plug loads, lighting, and HVAC equipment for optimized efficiency.
Time for an Upgrade
If your equipment is getting old, now is the time to go all-electric and eliminate your direct emissions.
Start preparing for the switch by checking if your electrical system can handle it and looking at efficient electric replacement options. The best time to switch is right before your old equipment completely breaks down. Sometimes, it might even save money to switch to electric earlier.
Building owners should discuss these options with their building engineers and contractors. Wherever possible, building owners should pursue efficient electrification options, mainly heat pumps, which use 2-3 times less energy than their electric resistance counterparts. Common options for efficient electrification include:
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Heat pumps for space heating and cooling
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Heat pumps or distributed electric point-of-use for water heating
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Heat pump laundry systems
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Induction cooking
