Launched by President Barack Obama in 2011, the program brings together corporations, universities, municipalities, and other national leaders to make commitments to energy efficiency, reduce waste, and save on energy costs.

Macy’s and Sprint also were named to the Better Building Challenge.

The companies will upgrade more than 200 million square feet of building space to support Obama’s goal of cutting energy waste from homes and businesses in half — by at least 20 percent by 2020.

“Investments in energy efficiency that save millions in energy costs are making the American economy more competitive, protecting our air and water, and creating jobs,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “We applaud these new partners for leading by example and showing the savings that energy efficiency makes possible while positioning America as a global leader in the clean-energy race.”

Each year, the U.S. spends about $200 billion to power commercial buildings, and another $200 billion to power industrial facilities. As Better Buildings Challenge partners, Johnson Controls, Macy’s, and Sprint will work with the Energy Department to implement energy-savings practices that reduce energy waste and save money. These new partners will also share facility-level energy-use data and successful strategies with Better Buildings Challenge partners and other U.S. businesses and organizations.

Publication date: 3/11/2013