Mansfield Building in Butte Receives $24M for Green Energy Upgrades

By Better Today On Jun 5, 2024

TL/DR –

Federal and local officials announced that $24 million from the Inflation Reduction Act will be used for green energy improvements to the Mike Mansfield Federal Building and Courthouse in Butte. $8 million will be spent on low-embodied carbon materials, and the remaining $16 million on emerging and sustainable technologies, including highly efficient mechanical systems aimed at reducing energy consumption by 40%. The construction on the planned projects at the Mansfield building is anticipated to begin in late 2025, with substantial completion by the summer of 2027.

Federal and Local Officials Allocate $24 Million for Green Energy Overhaul

Officials announced on Tuesday that $24 million from the Inflation Reduction Act is set to fund green energy upgrades at the Mike Mansfield Federal Building and Courthouse in Butte.

Low-embodied Carbon Materials Usage

An estimated $8 million will be used for low-embodied carbon materials such as concrete, glass, and steel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Investment in Emerging Technologies

The remaining $16 million will go towards sustainable technologies, possibly efficient systems like geothermal or air-source heat pumps. These aim to cut energy use by 40%, eradicate operational greenhouse emissions, and allow the building to run on 100% electric power.

Officials Applaud the Move

U.S. General Services Administration Administrator, Robin Carnahan, Brian Morris, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for Montana, and J.P. Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bow County’s CEO, made the announcement. Carnahan lauded the project as an exemplification of President Biden’s investing in America agenda, which she said, drives sustainability and innovation while creating good-paying jobs.

Funding Allocation

The $739 billion Inflation Reduction Act was passed in August 2022 without Republican support, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the deciding vote in favor of Democrats. The Act was criticized by Republicans as a reckless spending move by Democrats, which they argue has spurred inflation and raised taxes.

Renovations Timeline

Construction on the planned projects at the Mansfield building are anticipated to begin in late 2025, with significant completion by the summer of 2027.