The Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) provides tailored technical analysis and resources in the form of analysis, implementation tools, educational and training materials, among other resources, to States, Jurisdictions, and Tribal Nations. This Tribal Nation Energy Codes Hub provides an overview of specific energy code resources and assistance activities Tribal Nations can request to support energy code implementation. The Hub also outlines various building energy codes adopted across Tribal Nations and opportunities to engage with federally funded projects.
Technical Analysis and Resources
BECP offers technical analysis and resources to States, municipalities, and Tribal Nations at no cost to the recipient to support the implementation of building energy codes. It can include analyses of energy and economic impacts, education and training services, and the development of tools and resources, with additional assistance options available by request.
Examples of the type of technical assistance offered include the following:
| Code Analysis, Development, and Adoption |
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| Workforce Training |
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| Compliance Tools and Resources |
All tribal-level technical support requests must be made by selecting the 'Technical Support' option on the help desk form
Funding Opportunities
There are many opportunities for Tribal Nations to be involved in energy code implementation efforts taking place across the country. Several DOE-funded projects directly support energy code implementation in Tribal Nations through partnerships and stakeholder engagement and the development of tailored resources and direct technical assistance. The following list outlines relevant funded projects and highlights opportunities to get involved.
Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) Initiative Projects
| Award Recipient | Alaska Housing Finance Corporation |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Framework for Affordable, Efficient and Reliable Building Construction in Alaska |
| Region / State Focus | Alaska |
| Project Overview | The objective of this project is to conduct research, develop resources, and support workforce development (e.g., apprenticeships) for municipalities and Tribal Nations in Alaska to streamline building construction. |
| Award Recipient | Slipstream |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Building a Foundation for Strong Building Construction by Native Nations in Michigan |
| Region / State Focus | Michigan |
| Project Overview | The objective of this project is to provide technical research and analysis, as well as workforce training and education, for at least six Tribal Nations to advance modern building construction practices in the state of Michigan. |
| Award Recipient | Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Building Construction Collaborative Supporting Tribal and Home Rule municipalities |
| Region / State Focus | Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming |
| Project Overview | The objective of this project is to provide technical analysis training, and resources to Tribal Nations and home rule municipalities in states like North Dakota and Wyoming. |
Additional Resources
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
This webpage highlights the activities of the US DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. This office exists to empower Native communities to develop local energy solutions and support their efforts to secure affordable, reliable, and efficient energy for Tribal lands and homes. The office's primary activities include providing financial assistance and technical assistance, developing education and capacity building resources, and hosting events.
Federal Energy Funding for Rural and Remote Areas: A Guide for Communities
This guide was released in 2023 by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and was designed to provide an overview of federal funding programs available to individuals looking to plan or build clean energy projects in rural and remote areas. It also includes resources to help individuals navigate the federal funding process.
International Code Council - Native American Code Official Chapter
The International Code Council develops model codes and standards and building safety solutions to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable communities and buildings. Most US states and local jurisdictions utilize the model building codes published by ICC to regulate building health, safety, efficiency, and sustainability. In 2024, the ICC established a Code Council chapter dedicated to Native Code Officials. The new chapter, the Native American Code Officials (NACO) chapter, is focused on advancing Native sovereignty through building codes.
Environmental Protection Agency - Tools for Tribes
The EPA has developed and maintains tools and guidance intended to help tribal officials, community members, planners, developers, and architects develop and adopt building codes to support tribal building practices. It can be used by tribes both with and without existing building codes. It includes strategies and resources for assessing, prioritizing, developing, and implementing building codes, as well as guidance for updating existing codes or developing new codes.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Makes available printed and electronic copies of published HUD research. Primarily sponsored by HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research, these reports, executive summaries, case studies, and guidebooks span the fields of housing and urban development and are available as free downloads. Most reports can also be ordered in hard copy from the HUD User Webstore.