Program saves $1.3 billion in energy costs, prevents 10 million tons of harmful carbon emissions
WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro recently released Better Buildings Challenge partner results, announced three new focus areas in local communities, and highlighted overall signs of growth in the initiative’s reach and influence.
Since 2011, both the number of Better Buildings Challenge partners and energy-efficiency commitments have tripled, resulting in energy cost savings that exceed $1.3 billion and the avoidance of 10 million tons of harmful carbon emissions. There are now 310 Better Buildings Challenge partners who are set to achieve goals of at least 20 percent energy reduction within 10 years. Together they represent 34,000 buildings and facilities, 4.2 billion square feet of commercial space, and $5.5 billion dollars in energy-efficiency investments. Latest reporting shows the partners are on track, decreasing energy use on average by more than 2 percent annually.