Michael Waite is an ACEEE Alumnus as of May 2025.
Michael Waite, PhD, P.E. is Director of Codes and Building Standards, working to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs in new and existing buildings. Mike leads initiatives that root energy code development and implementation in sound and innovative research in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy affordability. He conducts research related to building energy decarbonization and collaborates with others at ACEEE to align smart building policy with emerging climate policies. He joined ACEEE in 2022.
Prior to joining ACEEE, Mike worked as a research scientist in the Sustainable Engineering Lab at Columbia University. Previously, he was a senior building technology engineer in the architecture, engineering and construction industry.
Mike holds a doctor of philosophy and a master of science in mechanical engineering from Columbia University and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and physics from Clarkson University.
Areas of Expertise:
While electrification and biomethane can both reduce emissions from the 8% of building fuel demand that is hardest to decarbonize, electrification could be si…
Allowing utilities to claim energy savings from their energy code support programs is essential to incentivize utility involvement in advancing building …
Prioritizing equitable building electrification—where low- and moderate-income (LMI) households have the support they need to replace fossil fuel and electric…
National model energy codes and state energy codes are beginning to include CEA-specific provisions as the sector grows rapidly, but CEA sector engagement has historically been limited. Increased e…
The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $45 million in funding from 2021’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to help states adopt and implement updated building energy codes. And much m…
ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.