Beat Blog
Every day Better Buildings partners and their energy savings solutions are featured in national media, trade journals, newsletters and social media.
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Stay connected and informed on the latest partner news by signing up for Better Buildings communications:
Better Buildings Bi-Monthly Bulletin
A newsletter welcoming new Better Buildings partners, featuring news stories, broadcasting new partner solutions, offering opportunities to sign up for webinars, and more.Better Plants Newsletter
A newsletter welcoming Better Plants partners, featuring partner successes, program updates, opportunities to participate, and more.Better Buildings Webinar Series
Each month experts lead conversations on the most pressing topics facing energy professionals.Better Buildings Residential Network
Get the latest information on the Better Buildings Residential Network.Home Energy Score Updates
Get the latest information on the Home Energy Score.Water Savings Network
Get the latest updates, tips, and resources from the Water Savings Network.Waste Reduction Network
Get the latest updates, tips, and resources from the Waste Reduction Network. by Better Buildings Beat Team on Sep 19, 2023
An essential element of DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative is convening leaders to discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities related to energy efficiency and decarbonization. Peer exchanges enable organizations from different sectors of the economy to learn from each other and share best...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Sep 07, 2023
The September Top Partner Solutions are in! Check out this roundup of real-world solutions for improving water efficiency, implementing decarbonization projects, engaging the workforce, and more.
MGM Resorts International’s Mega Solar Array Delivers Mega Energy Savings and Carbon Reduction
MGM...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Aug 13, 2023
As a partner in DOE’s Better Buildings Challenge since 2013, multifamily organization National Housing Trust (NHT) has committed to reducing its energy use by 20% over ten years. NHT is building on its commitment by joining the Better Climate Challenge (BCC) with a goal of reducing portfolio-wide...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Aug 08, 2023
Through the Better Buildings Initiative’s Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC), DOE recognizes the use of advanced lighting by building owners and managers for increased building efficiency and comfort. This year, the ILC recognized 14 organizations for leading the adoption of advanced lighting...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jul 30, 2023
The August Top Partner Solutions are here! Explore this roundup of real-world solutions for improving efficiency, saving water, decarbonizing facilities, and more. Read on to find out if your organization could leverage these successful strategies.
Iron Mountain Teams with Redaptive for...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jul 10, 2023
The July Top Partner Solutions are here! Dive into the roundup of real-world solutions to learn how partners are overcoming barriers to efficiency, decarbonization, engagement, and more to achieve major savings. Check out the solutions below!
Charter Steel Reaps Widespread Benefits of...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 21, 2023
This summer, our energy experts are hitting the road to explore how Better Climate Challenge partners Nissan, Chemours, and Whirlpool are reducing emissions across their manufacturing plants. As partners, these three companies have set portfolio-wide goals to reduce emissions by at least 50%...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 12, 2023
More than 800 attendees gathered at this year’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, with a strong presence from the industrial manufacturing sector. Partners shared solutions and discussed future opportunities in decarbonization, energy and water efficiency, and waste reduction.
Following...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 08, 2023
Commercial real estate (CRE) partners and allies discussed best practices, explored barriers in decarbonization and how to overcome them, and shared progress at the 2023 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit.
Commercial Sector Meet-up
Partners in the CRE, hospitality, healthcare, higher...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 04, 2023
The June Top Partner Solutions are here! This collection of real-world solutions covers many sectors and strategies - dive in to learn how our partners are saving energy, cutting costs, and accelerating decarbonization, and find out how your organization could follow suit!
Retirement Housing...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on May 22, 2023
Thank you to all of our speakers and attendees for joining us at the 2023 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit! We hope you enjoyed the event, were able to reconnect with colleagues and peers, and gained valuable resources and insights to inform your work ahead.
Summit convened thought leaders...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on May 04, 2023
Parkway School District exceeded its Better Buildings Challenge goal in 2020, achieving 25% reduction in energy intensity across its portfolio. Continuing its leadership in efficiency, Parkway has since set an additional goal of 35% reduction in energy intensity by 2025. DOE recently visited the...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 30, 2023
This month’s Top Partner Solutions feature real-world examples from our partners of successful efficiency upgrades, decarbonization projects, waste reduction strategies, and more! Read on to learn how different sectors are tackling common yet challenging barriers to improving sustainability in...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 26, 2023
For the first time in four years, building tours were back at the 2023 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit! These tours showcased innovative energy, decarbonization, and water efficiency practices at a variety of D.C.-area properties. Attendees learned about the strategies and solutions these...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 03, 2023
This month’s Top Partner Solutions include real-world examples of project financing, efficiency retrofits, decarbonization strategies, and more! Explore the roundup to learn how organizations across sectors are approaching – and overcoming – common yet challenging barriers to efficiency,...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 02, 2023
Actionable pathways to emissions reduction are key to accelerating decarbonization across the U.S. economy. Through the Better Climate Challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a Framework for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Planning to help organizations develop and navigate...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Mar 31, 2023
The annual Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit convenes leaders and experts from public and private organizations around the country to explore the latest in emerging technologies and share innovative strategies in energy efficiency, decarbonization, water, and waste reduction.
Each year, the...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Mar 20, 2023
Through the Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC), a part of the Better Buildings Initiative, DOE recognizes the use of advanced lighting by building owners and managers. This year, DOE is expanding the categories to highlight the potential for new technologies, advanced lighting controls, and...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Mar 05, 2023
This month’s Top Partner Solutions feature real-world examples of partners’ successful renewable energy implementations, employee engagement strategies, energy retrofits, and more! Read on to learn about these organizations’ efficiency and decarbonization solutions across diverse sectors....
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Feb 06, 2023
This month’s Top Partner Solutions feature real-world implementations of carbon reduction strategies, energy and water efficiency upgrades, stakeholder engagement tactics, and more. Check out the lineup and learn from others’ successful models!
LED Lighting Upgrades at City of Orlando’s Amway...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jan 31, 2023
In a recent peer exchange, Better Buildings partners from the higher education, hospitality and the retail, food service, and grocery sectors discussed challenges and solutions to electrifying commercial kitchens to accelerate decarbonization, save energy, and reduce costs.
The event brought...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jan 10, 2023
As 2023 starts, we are excited to share January’s Top Partner Solutions. These solutions have been implemented by partners across the U.S. economy and cover topics ranging from financing, renewables, energy conservation, carbon reduction, and more. Learn from others and the solutions that have...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Dec 15, 2022
In-Plant Trainings (INPLTs) are multi-day, hands-on workshops held at Better Plants partner facilities that train participants on how to identify, implement, and replicate energy-saving projects. They’re a popular workforce development resource with focuses ranging from common industrial systems...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Dec 13, 2022
In 2015, the City of Chattanooga joined the Better Buildings Challenge with a commitment to reduce energy intensity by 20%. After reaching this goal five years ahead of schedule in 2019, Chattanooga has now achieved more than 35% energy intensity savings from a 2013 baseline. DOE recently visited...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Dec 05, 2022
As we approach the new year, we are excited to share the most popular resources of 2022 on the Better Buildings Solution Center. Dig into the top 10 most viewed partner solutions and the top 10 most viewed toolkits from the past year and see what you may have missed!
Jump to toolkits
PARTNER...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Nov 21, 2022
DOE hosted a webinar featuring state and local governments to hear how they are using Home Energy Score to promote transparency in home sales and rentals while supporting broader energy goals in their communities.
Developed by DOE, Home Energy Score™ provides homeowners, buyers, and renters easy-...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Nov 15, 2022
DOE recently recognized Better Plants partner Waupaca Foundry, Inc. for its achievements and leadership in energy efficiency. As a two-time Better Plants Better Project Award winner and the largest iron foundry company in the world, Waupaca has committed six facilities across the U.S. to the...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Nov 07, 2022
Overview
An important part DOE’s work with partners across the Better Buildings Initiative is convening leaders to discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities. In these peer exchanges, organizations from different sectors of the economy can learn from each other and share best practices in energy...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Nov 04, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include strategies for low carbon technologies, energy project financing, and clean energy access in low-income communities. This list also features solutions from partners Celanese Corporation, Los...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Oct 03, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include toolkits on strategies for low carbon technologies, clean energy access in low-income communities, project financing, and more. This list also features solutions from partners Celanese, Los Angeles...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Sep 06, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include toolkits on strategies for low carbon technologies, project financing, and more. This list also highlights solutions from partners Celanese, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Zebra...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Aug 29, 2022
Carlisle, LLC, a Wendy’s franchisee and Better Buildings Challenge partner, has achieved its water reduction goal through a variety of efficiency measures and monitoring. Carlisle joined the Better Buildings Challenge in 2016 with a commitment to 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2026. To...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Aug 19, 2022
Despite differences in portfolio size, location, and target market, multifamily housing providers Foundation Communities and Veris Residential have chosen similar paths in pursuit of their sustainability goals: as Better Climate Challenge (BCC) partners, they have both committed to cutting their...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Aug 18, 2022
Better Buildings partners from the retail, food service, and grocery (RFSG) and hospitality sectors came together in a recent peer exchange to share lessons learned on solar projects and overcoming common challenges such as fostering internal buy-in and coordinating across franchisees.
Better...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Aug 05, 2022
The top 10 solutions on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include strategies for low carbon technologies, energy project financing, and more. This month’s roundup also includes two new solutions, featuring partner Life Time, Inc. and a webinar about community resilience....
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jul 28, 2022
In 2013, Whole Foods Market became the first grocery partner to join the Better Buildings Challenge, committing to a 20% improvement in energy use intensity by 2023 across its building portfolio of more than 12 million square feet. This year, Whole Foods Market surpassed that goal two years ahead...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jul 26, 2022
Across the country, 27 Home Energy Score Partners and a network of 460 Home Energy Score Assessors are promoting home energy labeling and providing low cost home energy information to homeowners, buyers, and renters through the Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score™ program.
Like a miles-per-...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jul 21, 2022
DOE recently recognized Better Buildings Challenge partner Life Time, Inc. for its achievements and leadership in energy efficiency. As a 2022 Goal Achiever, Life Time achieved 38% reduction in energy intensity across its building portfolio in just seven years – nearly doubling its Better...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jul 06, 2022
Industrial energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction were widely-discussed topics at the 2022 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit. Industry leaders, subject matter experts, and other professionals convened in-person to share their perspectives, strategies, award-winning...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jul 05, 2022
The top 10 solutions on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include resources for improving energy performance, leveraging low carbon technologies, sourcing project financing, and more. Dive into the roundup, featuring solutions from partners Celanese, Los Angeles Department...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 29, 2022
The Commercial Real Estate (CRE) sector saw strong turnout at the 2022 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, with representatives from more than two dozen organizations taking advantage of the opportunity to share progress, exchange proven efficiency and decarbonization solutions, and network...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 24, 2022
In 2017, Life Time, Inc. became the first athletic club partner to join the Better Buildings Challenge by committing to a 20% energy efficiency improvement over 10 years from a 2014 baseline. Now, Life Time has surpassed that goal, reaching 38% energy savings in just seven years.
Life Time...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 14, 2022
More than 40 organizations are partnering with DOE as part of the Better Buildings Workforce Accelerator, committing to enhance the energy efficiency workforce by cultivating interest, facilitating pathways, and improving skills. These organizations are working to create a workforce that is well-...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 09, 2022
Better Buildings Challenge partner The Catholic University of America (CUA) isn’t just increasing energy efficiency: they’re also working to foster next generation of the buildings and decarbonization workforce. Over Earth Day, the university hosted a conference exploring how the workforce is...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 08, 2022
The Wendy’s Company joined the Better Buildings Challenge in 2015, committing to 20% energy reduction across its U.S. company-operated portfolio and its Restaurant Support Center of roughly 1.3 million square feet. As The Wendy’s Company worked to improve energy efficiency across its own portfolio...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jun 08, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include strategies for low carbon technologies, energy project financing, and clean energy access in low-income communities. This list also highlights solutions from partners 3M, Celanese Corporation, Los...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on May 31, 2022
Thank you to all the partners, Goal Achievers, Better Plants Better Project and Practice Awardees, and attendees for joining us at the 2022 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit! We hope you enjoyed the event, were able to reconnect with colleagues and peers, and gained valuable resources and...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on May 27, 2022
In a recent peer exchange, Better Buildings partners from the hospitality and healthcare sectors discussed challenges and solutions related to water efficiency, conservation, and safety. The event brought together Better Buildings partners and affiliates, including Hilton, Travel + Leisure, the...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on May 10, 2022
With buildings dating back to the 1850s, Bard College faces its fair share of challenges to decarbonization. From harnessing geothermal energy to piloting micro hydro dams, the college is taking innovative approaches to cutting greenhouse gas emissions across campus.
In this conversation with...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on May 09, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month feature a new solution from Zebra Technologies, plus toolkits on strategies for low carbon technologies, clean energy access in low-income communities, project financing, and more. Check out this month’s...