The Hawkeye State was one of seven selected by the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices to participate in a policy academy designed to help states develop such strategies.

“Iowa’s selection for this academy demonstrates Iowa’s leadership in moving the U.S. towards energy independence,” said Gov. Chet Culver.

The state already has a Green Government Initiative, which instructs state agencies to collaborate in order to set energy efficiency goals and to implement programs with a specific focus on using sustainable materials and energy-efficient buildings. The state is also developing the “Be Smart” program, which will offer assistance to public buildings searching for ways to become more energy efficient.

As energy providers eye possible rate increases, state officials say they have to do more.

“Investments in building energy efficiency are proven ways to save money and create good paying jobs right here in Iowa,” said Roya Stanley, director of the Iowa Office of Energy Independence. “Our participation in this academy will allow us to leverage our substantial energy efficiency experience with new ideas from around the nation to deliver great results for Iowa’s citizens, businesses and government agencies.”

As a part of the Advanced Energy Strategies for Buildings policy academy, representatives from Stanley’s office will work with leading experts and teams from other states to develop action plans that include:

• Identifying cost-effective strategies for reducing energy use from buildings, such as improving building codes and encouraging participation in voluntary certification programs.

• Designing new policies and programs that promote the adoption of smart energy use, such as increasing consumption from renewable sources.

• Developing innovative funding and financing options to support implementation of its findings.

According to the Office on Energy Independence, buildings consume more energy than any other sector of the U.S. economy. They account for nearly three-quarters of all electricity generation; approximately 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions; and large amounts of onsite fuel use.

The six states chosen in addition to Iowa are Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, Utah and Wisconsin. The selections were based on a competitive process, and the academy is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

“More than in any other end-use sector, states can play a major role in reducing energy use in buildings,” said John Thomasian, director of the NGA Center. “This Policy Academy will help states work through some of the challenges they face when developing policies to improve energy efficiency and increase use of renewable energy in buildings.”

More information on the NGA’s push for energy efficiency can be found on the organization’s Web site.