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 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...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on May 03, 2022
Register today for the 2022 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit taking place in Arlington, Virginia, May 17-19, 2022. Join us for three days of networking opportunities, interactive sessions, and special events at this year’s Summit!
Each year, the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 13, 2022
Many people realize that energy efficiency can save energy and money, but energy-saving projects often yield additional, quantifiable benefits beyond energy and cost savings. However, the non-energy benefits of energy efficiency are frequently omitted from energy efficiency assessments in...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 10, 2022
Better Buildings Affiliates are NGOs, associations, and nonprofits that identify, recruit, and support organizations interested in improving energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions across their U.S. building portfolios. Through the Better Buildings Initiative, Better Buildings healthcare...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 07, 2022
DOE’s Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC), part of the Better Buildings Initiative, was launched in 2020 to work with facility owners, operators, and managers to demonstrate how to maximize savings with lighting upgrades. Through this effort, partners have demonstrated the greater impact of...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 05, 2022
Registration is now open for the 2022 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, happening May 17-19, 2022.
This year’s Summit will be in person and will convene Better Buildings and Better Plants partners across sectors and include industry experts, stakeholders, and other leaders in efficiency and...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Apr 01, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month feature strategies for low carbon technologies, clean energy access in low-income communities, project financing, and more. This list also highlights solutions from partners New York City Housing Authority...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Mar 07, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month features a new Showcase Project from Better Buildings Challenge partner Mercy Housing, plus strategies for low carbon technologies, toolkits for energy project financing, and more. Check out this month’s...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Feb 07, 2022
In a recent peer exchange, Better Buildings partners from the commercial real estate and healthcare sectors discussed challenges and solutions related to renewables integration, decarbonization strategies, and financing for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The event brought together Better...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Feb 04, 2022
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month include strategies for low carbon technologies, toolkits for wastewater energy management and energy project financing, and more. Check them out!
1. Low Carbon Technology Strategies Toolkit
To help...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Feb 02, 2022
Almost 40 organizations are partnering with DOE as part of the Better Buildings Workforce Accelerator with a commitment to enhancing the energy efficiency workforce by cultivating interest, facilitating pathways, and improving skills. These organizations are catalyzing a workforce that is well-...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jan 07, 2022
As your organization prepares for 2022, we are excited to share last year’s most-viewed partner solutions and toolkits on the Better Buildings Solution Center! Check out our most popular resources from 2021 and see what you may have missed.
Jump to Toolkits
PARTNER SOLUTIONS
1. Showcase Project:...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Jan 06, 2022
On Wednesday, December 15, Better Buildings Challenge multifamily partner NHT Communities hosted Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge and DOE Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm at its Vintage Gardens community in West Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore Mayor Brandon...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Dec 03, 2021
The top 10 most-viewed resources on the Better Buildings Solution Center from the past month features strategies for low carbon technologies, toolkits for wastewater energy management and energy project financing, an award-winning solution on the use of cloud-based monitoring systems, and more. ...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Dec 01, 2021
Tackling low-hanging fruit in energy efficiency may not seem important, but for the energy-intensive manufacturing industry, it can have a significant impact on energy and cost savings. Watch the video below to hear how LED lighting saves Steelcase nearly $200,000 annually in energy costs – along...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Nov 18, 2021
Put your industrial facility on the right path toward carbon reduction with three tips from Mani Balakrishnan of Zebra Technologies. Carve out 6 minutes to watch his conversation with Kelly Speakes-Backman, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and hear how science...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Nov 15, 2021
Congratulations to three Better Buildings Challenge multifamily partners who successfully competed for Passive House Design Challenge grants from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC): Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), Community Builders, Inc., and Beacon Communities. Passive...
by Better Buildings Beat Team on Nov 11, 2021
Collaboration, teamwork, and partnerships. According to Ian Lahiff of the City of Orlando, these are the key ingredients to a successful energy efficiency and decarbonization program. Building a coalition allows sustainability projects to run more smoothly and get done faster.
Orlando’s solar...