US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) announced Hawai'i will receive $18.1 million in federal funding to adopt a building performance standard for energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings - which currently account for approximately one-third of the state's total electricity use - will both lower energy costs and help Hawai'i move closer to achieving its climate goals, according to an announcement.

A significant portion of the funding, which comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used to strengthen Hawai'i's workforce in skilled trades through training, education and apprenticeship programs.

"Making our buildings more energy efficient will lower energy bills while also helping us fight the climate crisis," said Schatz. "This new funding will help strengthen our workforce and enable people across Hawai'i to reap the benefits of our transition to a cleaner future."