8th DISTRICT

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​Vanessa Enoch

Democratic

U.S. House, Ohio 8

 

1.         WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS THAT CONGRESS CAN HELP TO REDUCE THE ENERGY AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF BUILDINGS TO HELP MAKE THEM MORE SUSTAINABLE?

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Congress can help reduce the energy and water consumption of buildings and promote sustainability through several critical initiatives:

 

Incentivize Energy-Efficient Retrofits

Congress can expand tax credits and grants for retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy and water efficiency. By incentivizing building owners to upgrade insulation, install energy-efficient windows, use LED lighting, and modernize HVAC systems, we can reduce the energy consumption of both residential and commercial buildings.

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Support Green Building Standards

Congress should advocate for the widespread adoption of green building standards like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ENERGY STAR certifications. Providing federal incentives for builders and property developers who meet these sustainability standards would encourage more eco-friendly construction.

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Invest in Clean Energy for Buildings

Federal support for renewable energy, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems, should be expanded. Congress can increase funding for programs that help property owners install these systems, reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and decreasing long-term energy consumption in buildings.

 

Encourage Water Conservation Practices

Congress can push for federal programs that incentivize water-saving technologies, such as low-flow toilets, smart irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting. Additionally, updating building codes to include more stringent water efficiency requirements will ensure new developments are designed with sustainability in mind.

 

Expand Research and Development in Building Technologies

Increased federal funding for R&D in sustainable building materials and technologies will help accelerate innovation. This could include support for new materials that improve insulation, smart energy systems, or more efficient appliances. Partnering with universities, private sector entities, and local governments to advance these technologies will help drive progress.

 

Strengthen Federal Building Codes and Standards

Congress can strengthen national building codes to require energy-efficient construction practices. This includes ensuring that new federal buildings meet high standards for sustainability and mandating the use of energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and water systems.

 

Promote Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainability

By facilitating partnerships between local governments, businesses, and federal agencies, Congress can support pilot programs that showcase the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable buildings. These programs could include community energy-saving competitions or citywide retrofitting projects.

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2. WHICH SUSTAINABLE BUILDING POLICIES DO YOU SUPPORT AND WOULD WORK TO ENACT IF ELECTED?

 

a. Set benchmarking requirements for commercial buildings and encourage cities and states to adopt performance-based standards for buildings

b. Provide rebates to homeowners who invest in energy efficiency improvements

c. Provide incentives to states and localities to adopt the most up-to-date energy building codes

d. Renew and expand tax incentives for energy efficient buildings

e. Require federal buildings to meet aggressive energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets

f. Provide support to states and localities to make buildings more resilient from natural hazards and disasters

h. Conduct research into the most promising technologies, products and materials that improve occupant health and reduce transmission of contagious disease while saving energy

i. Support programs or incentives to accelerate the electrification of buildings.

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3.         IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO ENSURE THAT ALL AMERICANS, REGARDLESS OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, ARE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS?

 

If elected, I will prioritize policies that ensure healthy and sustainable buildings are accessible to all Americans, regardless of their socioeconomic status. My approach includes the following steps:

 

Expand Federal Support for Low-Income Housing Retrofits

Many low-income families live in older, less efficient homes. I will advocate for increased federal funding for programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which provides resources for low-income households to retrofit their homes with energy-efficient windows, insulation, and appliances. This would not only reduce energy consumption but also lower utility bills for struggling families.

 

Affordable Green Housing Initiatives

I will work to promote affordable housing initiatives that integrate sustainability from the start. By providing federal grants and tax credits to developers who build affordable, green-certified housing, we can ensure that low- and middle-income communities have access to healthier living environments with reduced utility costs.

 

Ensure Access to Green Energy for All Communities

I will support legislation that increases access to clean energy, such as solar and wind power, in underserved communities. By expanding community solar programs and offering subsidies to install renewable energy sources in low-income neighborhoods, we can make sustainable energy affordable for everyone, regardless of income.

 

Increase Federal Investment in Public Housing Sustainability

Many Americans living in public housing are left out of the green building movement. I will push for legislation to retrofit public housing with energy-efficient technologies, such as energy-efficient lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and better insulation. I will also support efforts to incorporate green space and improve air quality in public housing developments to enhance residents' health and well-being.

 

Target Environmental Justice Communities for Building Upgrades

Many low-income and minority communities are disproportionately affected by poor air quality, inefficient buildings, and high utility costs. I will advocate for targeted investment in these communities through the creation of a federal program specifically aimed at upgrading buildings in areas with high rates of pollution and environmental degradation. This would ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from the energy and health improvements of sustainable buildings.

 

Promote Job Training in Green Building Technologies

To ensure economic equity, I will support job training programs in energy-efficient building techniques, solar panel installation, and sustainable construction. These programs would focus on underserved communities, providing good-paying jobs while also ensuring that all communities benefit from healthier, more sustainable buildings.

 

Mandate Healthy Building Standards in All New Public and Federally Funded Buildings

I will work to ensure that all new federally funded buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and government facilities, adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency and indoor air quality. This includes using non-toxic building materials, improving ventilation, and maximizing natural light.

These steps will create healthier environments for all Americans, especially in low-income areas where public buildings often serve as community hubs.

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4.         IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO TRAIN AND PREPARE PEOPLE FOR CLEAN ENERGY JOBS THAT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS?

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If elected, I will implement a comprehensive strategy to ensure that Americans are trained and prepared for the growing number of clean energy jobs, particularly those advancing sustainable buildings and building components. My plan includes the following steps:

 

Invest in Clean Energy Job Training Programs

I will support federal investments in job training programs focused on clean energy technologies and sustainable building practices. These programs will partner with community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs to train workers in areas such as energy-efficient construction, solar and wind power installation, smart building technology, and green building maintenance.

 

Expand Apprenticeships in Green Building Technologies

To ensure that more Americans have access to hands-on training, I will advocate for expanding apprenticeship programs in clean energy sectors. These programs will target the construction, electrical, and HVAC industries, teaching workers how to install and maintain energy-efficient building components like smart lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and solar panels.

 

Create a National Clean Energy Workforce Initiative

I will push for the creation of a National Clean Energy Workforce Initiative to coordinate job training programs across the country. This initiative will focus on preparing workers for jobs in sustainable building technologies, such as retrofitting older buildings for energy efficiency, installing renewable energy systems, and manufacturing sustainable building materials. This would ensure a national standard for quality training and help align job seekers with growing industries.

 

Support Educational Pathways in Clean Energy and Sustainable Building Design

I will work to integrate clean energy and sustainability education into K-12 and higher education curricula. This would include creating pathways from high school to technical programs or universities that focus on clean energy engineering, sustainable construction, and green architecture. By fostering interest at an early age, we can build a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of the clean energy sector.

 

Target Workforce Development Programs to Underserved Communities

I will ensure that clean energy job training programs are accessible to underserved communities, including rural areas, communities of color, and economically disadvantaged regions. By offering grants, scholarships, and incentives to local training centers, we can ensure that everyone—regardless of socioeconomic background—has access to training for high-paying clean energy jobs.

 

Partner with Private Sector and Labor Unions for Workforce Development

I will advocate for partnerships between the federal government, private sector employers, and labor unions to create clean energy workforce development programs. These partnerships would focus on training workers for roles in building design, construction, and maintenance using the latest green technologies. Collaborations like this will ensure that the skills being taught align with the needs of employers and create good-paying union jobs.

 

Incentivize Companies to Invest in Worker Training

I will propose tax incentives for companies that invest in training their employees in clean energy technologies and sustainable building practices. By encouraging private sector investment in worker development, we can ensure that both new and existing workers have the skills needed for a clean energy economy.

 

Promote Research and Development in Sustainable Building Technologies

I will advocate for increased federal funding for research and development in emerging sustainable building technologies, creating new opportunities for innovation. By working closely with universities and research institutions, we can develop cutting-edge building components like smart energy systems, advanced insulation materials, and more energy-efficient building designs. This R&D will create a demand for a highly skilled workforce, and I will ensure the training programs are in place to meet that demand.

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5.         ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK WITH THE BUILDING SECTOR TO MAKE SURE THAT TRANSFORMING BUILDINGS IS PART OF THE POLICY DEBATE IN CONGRESS, INCLUDING JOINING CAUCUSES THAT ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING POLICIES? IF YES, HOW WILL YOU DO THAT?

 

1. Join and Lead Legislative Caucuses Focused on Sustainable Building Policies

I will join and actively participate in relevant Congressional caucuses, such as the High-Performance Building Caucus and the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), which advocate for sustainable building policies. I will also explore opportunities to form new caucuses or subcommittees that focus specifically on advancing green building standards, energy-efficient retrofits, and renewable energy integration in the building sector.

 

2. Collaborate with the Building Industry for Policy Input

I will regularly engage with key stakeholders in the building sector, including architects, construction firms, engineers, and sustainability experts, to ensure that their insights and expertise inform my policy positions. I will establish a working group or advisory council with representatives from the building sector to provide guidance on legislation related to green building practices, ensuring that federal policy aligns with real-world needs and innovations.

 

3. Advocate for Federal Legislation that Prioritizes Building Efficiency and Sustainability

I will champion and co-sponsor legislation that promotes energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, such as expanding tax incentives for retrofits, updating building codes, and increasing federal funding for green infrastructure projects. By working with colleagues across party lines, I will push to make building transformation a priority in broader discussions about energy policy, infrastructure investment, and climate action.

 

4. Push for Green Standards in Public Building Projects

As a member of Congress, I will push for federal public building projects, such as schools, hospitals, and government facilities, to adopt high-performance, energy-efficient standards. This includes ensuring that these buildings meet certifications like LEED and incorporate renewable energy systems. Making the federal government a leader in green building practices will help set a national standard and create market demand for sustainable construction.

 

5. Integrate Building Transformation into Climate and Infrastructure Legislation

Buildings are a major source of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and I will work to make sustainable building policies an integral part of broader climate and infrastructure legislation. This includes advocating for building retrofits and energy-efficient new construction as part of any infrastructure package and ensuring that these policies are designed with equity in mind, benefiting all communities, including low-income areas.

 

6. Support Workforce Development in Sustainable Building Trades

I will work closely with the building sector to ensure that there are sufficient training and workforce development programs to meet the growing demand for green building technologies. By integrating workforce development into building sector transformation, we can ensure a pipeline of skilled workers ready to build the sustainable buildings of the future.

 

7. Foster Public-Private Partnerships to Scale Up Sustainable Building Practices

I will advocate for policies that foster public-private partnerships to promote innovation in the building sector. These partnerships will help pilot new technologies, scale up energy-efficient retrofits, and demonstrate the economic benefits of sustainable construction. Working together with industry leaders, local governments, and the federal government, we can accelerate the adoption of sustainable building practices nationwide.

 

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6.         DO YOU HAVE ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS (E.G., SUPPORTING LEGISLATION IN ELECTED OFFICE, MADE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS TO A HOME, OFFICE, COMMUNITY-WIDE, ETC.)?

 

While I have not previously held elected office, I have been actively involved in sustainability initiatives in my community and through advocacy. My experiences align with the principles of energy efficiency and sustainability in several ways:

 

1. Advocacy for Environmental Justice and Sustainability

I have consistently advocated for policies that promote environmental justice, including sustainable housing and building practices, particularly in underserved communities. Through my work with community organizations, I have supported initiatives that aim to improve living conditions by reducing energy costs and improving air quality in low-income housing.

 

2. Participation in Local Initiatives for Energy Efficiency

I have been involved in community-led projects that emphasize sustainability, such as energy efficiency retrofits for community centers and low-income housing. These initiatives have focused on upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, and incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels, which align with the goals of sustainable building transformation.

 

3. Personal Commitment to Energy Efficiency in My Own Home

On a personal level, I have made energy-efficient improvements to my own home, including upgrading insulation, installing smart thermostats, and using energy-efficient lighting and appliances. These experiences have given me firsthand knowledge of the benefits of reducing energy consumption, both for individual households and for the broader environment.

 

4. Commitment to Sustainable Infrastructure as Part of My Campaign Platform

Throughout my campaign, I have made sustainable infrastructure a key part of my platform. I am committed to advancing policies that promote green building practices, energy-efficient retrofits, and clean energy integration as essential components of climate action and economic growth. I believe that transforming our buildings to be more sustainable is critical to addressing climate change, reducing energy costs, and improving public health.

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While I may not have held elected office to directly support legislation related to sustainable buildings, my advocacy efforts, personal actions, and campaign platform reflect my commitment to sustainability. If elected, I am eager to bring this passion and dedication to Congress to support legislation that advances sustainable building practices nationwide.