Smart Building Acceleration Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-2335
Sponsor: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Introduced: 2019-07-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Building construction
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Government studies and investigations
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Public contracts and procurement
Public utilities and utility rates
Research and development
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2019-07-30
text: 

Smart Building Acceleration Act
 
of 2019

 
This bill assists the building sector in adopting smart building technology that increases energy efficiency. Smart buildings are buildings with energy systems that (1) are flexible and automated; (2) have extensive operational monitoring and communication connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and analysis of building functions; (3) take a systems-based approach in integrating the overall building operations for control of energy generation, consumption, and storage; (4) communicate with utilities and other third-party commercial entities, if appropriate; (5) protect the health and safety of occupants and workers; and (6) are cybersecure.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Federal Smart Building Program. Under the program, DOE must implement smart building technology in certain federal buildings and demonstrate the costs and benefits of smart buildings. 
 
DOE may expand awards made under the Federal Energy Management Program and the Better Building Challenge to recognize specific federal agency achievements in accelerating the adoption of smart building technologies.
 
In addition, DOE must conduct (1) a survey of privately owned smart buildings throughout the United States and evaluate their costs and benefits, and (2) research and development on barriers to the integration of advanced building technologies. As part of the Better Building Challenge, DOE must demonstrate policies and approaches that accelerate the transition to smart buildings.

action_date: 2019-10-24
text: 

Smart Building Acceleration Act
 
of 2019

 
This bill assists the building sector in adopting smart building technology that increases energy efficiency. Smart buildings are buildings with energy systems that (1) are flexible and automated; (2) have extensive operational monitoring and communication connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and analysis of building functions; (3) take a systems-based approach in integrating the overall building operations for control of energy generation, consumption, and storage; (4) communicate with utilities and other third-party commercial entities, if appropriate; (5) protect the health and safety of occupants and workers; and (6) are cybersecure.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Federal Smart Building Program. Under the program, DOE must implement smart building technology in certain federal buildings and demonstrate the costs and benefits of smart buildings. 
 
DOE may expand awards made under the Federal Energy Management Program and the Better Building Challenge to recognize specific federal agency achievements in accelerating the adoption of smart building technologies.
 
In addition, DOE must conduct (1) a survey of privately owned smart buildings throughout the United States and evaluate their costs and benefits, and (2) research and development on barriers to the integration of advanced building technologies. As part of the Better Building Challenge, DOE must demonstrate policies and approaches that accelerate the transition to smart buildings.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-10-24
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 272.
action_date: 2019-10-24
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 116-151.
action_date: 2019-10-24
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 116-151.
action_date: 2019-09-25
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2019-07-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2019-07-30
text: Introduced in Senate