Building and Energy Efficiency
IEM is committed to building stronger and more resilient communities. Our experts are well-versed in HUD’s Green Building Retrofit Checklist and adhere to Green Building Standards in our disaster recovery programs. Our housing construction projects aim to achieve sustainable certifications including:
- ENERGY STAR
- EPA Indoor Air Plus
- LEED Certified, or
- ICC-700 National Green Building Standard
IEM implements cost-effective energy improvements that meet local zoning codes, Decent Safe and Sanitary (DSS) or required Housing Quality Standards (HQS). IEM provides a Fortified Gold Standard of construction that reinforces the most vulnerable areas of homes to provide the best chance to keep wind, rain, and storm pressures out, making a home more resilient and lowering homeownership costs.
Critical Energy Infrastructure
IEM provides full-lifecycle support to energy infrastructure owners and operators and public energy officials, including planning, preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery activities. IEM’s core energy capabilities include energy landscape assessment and mapping, energy grant management, risk and hazard mitigation, legal and regulatory support, distribution and transmission planning, security and resilience applications for smart grids and microgrids, and interdependent systems (e.g., water, finance, communications) assessment and analysis.
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Resilience
IEM experts are providing program management and technical assistance to agencies to assist in deploying distributed energy resources across communities. In Puerto Rico, our experts provide program management and expertise to build resilience across the island.
Community Energy and Water Resilience (CEWRI)
- IEM provides program and contractor management for a CEWRI program to address energy and water vulnerabilities. CEWRI provides single-family homeowners with energy and water efficiency improvements by installing photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery backup for critical loads and water storage systems. The CEWRI program complements the Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Home Repair, Reconstruction, or Relocation (R3) programs for homeowners who received assistance for repair, reconstruction, or new construction.
Electrical Power Reliability and Resilience Program (ER2)
- IEM was selected to manage over $1.3 billion in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funding for disaster recovery, mitigation, and resilience funding to assure critical and community energy resilience. Under this program, IEM is performing the program management and oversight of eligible activities, including acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and/or installation of the following project types:
- Utility, community, critical facility or campus renewable energy, hybrid, and/or cogeneration microgrids;
- DER installation projects (e.g., solar, wind, storage);
- Behind the meter “Battery Energy Storage Systems” (BESS);
- Virtual power plants;
- Centralized renewable energy generation solutions; and
- Enabling technology solutions (e.g., smart grid applications, load management, advanced sensors).
- To meet environmental justice and equity goals, IEM ensures funding directly benefits low to-moderate income residents, meeting if not exceeding required HUD guidance
Environmental
IEM has been leveraging technology and data for decades to help clients make informed environmental decisions. From mitigation strategies to reduce environmental impacts to conducting environmental sustainability reports, IEM’s experts are here to assist your agency in building a more sustainable future.
Equity
Energy planning and offerings present a valuable opportunity to advance economic resiliency and can play an important role in resolving disparities in access to quality services and resources for communities that have been unserved, under-resourced, and under-represented. IEM is a leader in addressing diversity, equality and inclusion in building community resilience. IEM knows how to employ the appropriate language and through the right channels to reach impacted individuals where they are.
FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
IEM is a leader in innovative hazard mitigation and resilience project development and deployment using federal funding. Through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), IEM assists states and communities in securing funding for projects that support Distributed Energy Resources (DER) deployment for resilience purposes. IEM helps communities navigate complex funding programs for microgrid feasibility studies and deployment, solar array feasibility and installations, tribal DER installations, battery storage for critical community facilities, and overall infrastructure hardening.
FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA)
IEM’s combined experience and proven track record add value to our clients by delivering a high-quality scope of work and reliable cost estimates. The IEM Team has unparalleled expertise in recovering reimbursement for the repair/replacement of critical infrastructure losses, supporting your organization in receiving public assistance and adhering to federal guidelines.
DOE’s Home Energy Rebates
With four decades of experience in designing and implementing federally funded, statewide assistance programs, IEM is a vital partner in optimizing U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funds to enhance energy resiliency and strengthen the overall economy. Our expertise is demonstrated through impactful initiatives like the Home Efficiency Rebates and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates.
Smart Cities
IEM is helping communities nationwide leverage data and technology to enhance sustainability, economic development, and resiliency. We understand the needs and requirements of constructing smart cities that integrate cutting-edge technologies to optimize urban life. IEM supports your organization in ensuring construction processes revolutionize how buildings are designed and built, including how cities are planned to incorporate technology. Our experts can assist you in planning, preparing, and designing smart cities.
Utility Support
IEM has provided utility providers with technical assistance, program management, and grant administration for decades. Some of the work includes support to:
- Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC), Fayetteville, North Carolina
- American Public Power Association (APPA), Washington, DC
- Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña, Puerto Rico
- LUMA Energy, Puerto Rico
Weatherization Assistance
In our disaster recovery programs, IEM provides a Fortified Gold Standard of construction that reinforces the most vulnerable areas of a home to provide the best chance to keep out wind, rain, and storm pressures. This is an added long-term benefit to homeowners who may receive reduced insurance rates and are assured that their home is safer, and more resilient than conventional construction standards.
