Newsroom

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized Better Buildings, Better Plants partner Waupaca Foundry, Inc. for energy efficiency advances made in its Waupaca, Wisconsin facilities. DOE staff toured Waupaca’s Plant 1 to see firsthand examples of the efficiency innovations made throughout its portfolio.

As the world’s largest iron foundry, Waupaca melts up to 9,500 tons of iron per day. The company committed six facilities across the U.S. as an inaugural Better Plants partner and has reduced energy intensity by more than 20% to date. Since joining Better Plants, Waupaca's commitment has expanded to include decarbonization through participation in DOE's Low Carbon Pilot and Better Climate Challenge.

• Read the full Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Progress Alert
• Read more about the visit on the Beat Blog

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) recognized 18 organizations for leading the adoption of advanced lighting controls and integration of lighting with other building systems. This campaign is part of the Better Buildings Initiative and worked with these partners, as well as 20 recognized last year, to demonstrate that integrated lighting systems are enabling deeper energy savings in buildings and creating an enhanced user and occupant experience. Partners were recognized at the Illumination Engineering Society (IES) annual conference on August 18^th, 2022.

DOE recognized the following organizations this year:

Recognized Participants

• Yamaha Motor Corporation, Midwestern Distribution Center, Pleasant Prairie, WI 
• Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc., Upper Marlboro, MD 
• Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Portland, OR
• Chicago Smart Lighting Program, Chicago, IL
• University of Vermont, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Burlington, VT
• MRA Group, Spring House Innovation Park
• Vertical Harvest Farms, Jackson, WY
• Seed Capital, Phoenix, AZ
• Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
• the link, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
• Missouri Slope, New Skilled Nursing Facility, Bismarck, ND
• Holt Public Schools, Holt, MI
• Association of General Contractors, Seattle, WA
• North Bakersfield Toyota, Bakersfield, CA
• Gabus Automotive, Gabus Auto Dealership Campus, Des Moines, IA

Recognized Supporters
These organizations are recognized for their exemplary support and advocacy of the use of advanced lighting controls and technologies that facilitate the integration of lighting with other building systems to improve efficiency and performance.

• McWong International, Sacramento, California
• Puget Sound Energy, Bellevue, Washington
• Resource Innovation Institute, Portland, Oregon

Read the Full U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

DOE’s “Better Climate Challenge” Sets Deep Carbon Reduction Targets and Encourages Solution Sharing Across Major U.S. Companies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a commitment from over 90 companies and organizations to reduce their carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 through DOE’s Better Climate Challenge. This national public-private partnership calls on organizations across the country to set bold, portfolio-wide greenhouse gas reduction targets and share their innovative solutions and best practices with partners and across industries. DOE will double down on these commitments by providing technical assistance and convening peer-to-peer exchanges to facilitate solution sharing across their facilities and fleets. Inaugural partners in the Better Climate Challenge include IKEA, Hilton, Harley-Davidson, the Cleveland Clinic, and the State of Maryland. Public-private partnerships like the Better Climate Challenge are key to reaching President Biden’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 through an equitable clean energy transition. 

“Companies across America are joining arms to lead the zero-carbon transition through smart, strategic climate solutions that slash building and factory emissions and significantly cut costs,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With the help of DOE, the meaningful and measurable emissions reductions of the Better Climate Challenge will save American businesses billions of dollars, create good-paying jobs, and drive innovation that strengthens the entire U.S. economy.” 

• Read the U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Watch the Launch

News Coverage:

• Forbes: Ford, GE, Xerox, and Other Companies Pledge to Slash Carbon Emissions by 2030
• Central Oregon Daily News: Deschutes Brewery joins Dept. of Energy's Better Climate Challenge
• Cleveland.com: Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland-Cliffs pledge to reduce their carbon footprint
• Data Center Knowledge: QTS and Sabey Sign Up to DOE’s 50% Emissions Reduction Commitment 
• Daily Energy Insider: Avangrid joins the DOE’s Better Climate Challenge 
• Datacenter Dynamics: QTS and Sabey join DOE's Better Climate Challenge
• Default Servicing News: HUD Commits to Better Climate Challenge
• Electric Drives: US Department of Energy will recognise Ford Motor Company for joining their Better Climate Challenge
• Environmental News Service: Maryland: First State to Join DOE’s Better Climate Challenge
• ESG Today: 90 Major Companies, Organizations Pledge to Halve Emissions by 2030 Under DOE Initiative
• Facility Executive: Energy Secretary Announces Better Climate Challenge, 90 Inaugural Partners
• Floor Daily: Tarkett's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Recognized by DOE 
• Florida Realtors: HUD’s ‘Better Climate Challenge’ Supports Environment 
• Forbes: Forbes CxO: Words Matter This International Women’s Day, The Benefits Of Boomerangs And More
• Forbes: Most Surveyed Companies Receive Bad Grades In New Greenhouse Gas Reduction Report 
• Floor Covering News: Tarkett recognized by U.S. Department of Energy
• Floor Covering Weekly: U.S. Department of Energy recognizes Tarkett
• Green Car Congress: Automakers and suppliers part of DOE Better Climate Challenge
• i+s: Better Climate Challenge Aims to Cut Carbon in Half by 2030
• KnowESG: DOE Initiative Helps Major Companies and Organisations Halve Emissions by 2030 
• KTVZ: Deschutes Brewery joins U.S. Dept. of Energy’s ‘Better Climate Challenge’ 
• McMorrow Reports: DOE announces pledges from 90+ organizations to slash emissions by 50% within decade 
• Multifamily Executive: More Than 90 Organizations Pledge to Slash Emissions by 50% by 2030
• Pennsylvania Business Report: CertainTeed, parent company joins Energy Department’s Better Climate Challenge 
• Potomac Officers Club: More Than 90 Companies Pledge to Support DOE’s Better Climate Challenge 
• PV Magazine: Over 90 corporations and organizations commit to reducing carbon emissions through DOE program 
• Respa News: HUD, DOE announce changes to low carbon multifamily housing program
• RIS Media: New Climate Action Plan to Reduce Carbon Footprint and Build More Equitable Housing
• Smart Energy Decisions: DOE Announces 90 Pledges to Cut Emissions by 50%
• The Electrical Distributor Magazine: Legrand Partners with DOE
• Triple Pundit: U.S. Business Leaders Throw a Lifeline to EPA on Climate Action 
• Utility Dive: Avangrid, Exelon among 90+ organizations joining DOE challenge to slash carbon emissions 50% by 2032
• Vista Today: Malvern-Based Saint-Gobain ‘Takes an Important Pledge’
• WCSY-FM: Secretary Granholm on Auto Companies 
• WISC: City of Madison, UW Health sign on to effort to cut emissions by 50% within decade
• WMTV: City of Madison recognized for commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

DOE is challenging companies, states, municipalities, and other organizations to set ambitious, portfolio-wide, and near-term operational greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals to demonstrate leadership and share real-world pathways to address climate change. Through the Better Climate Challenge, partners will commit to a portfolio-wide goal of at least 50% by 2030 and DOE will support their efforts with technical assistance and peer-to-peer learning to share solutions to reduce emissions from their facilities and through power purchasing decisions. This effort will build on over a decade of experience through the Better Buildings Initiative to drive portfolio-wide accountable and transparent commitments across the public and private sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the commercial, industrial, and multifamily sector, while providing whole-of-government technical assistance to help those companies/organizations meet their targets. DOE has started engaging leaders across the U.S. economy. There are already 32 organizations that have joined Better Climate Challenge. Learn more here.

• View U.S. Department of Energy Announcement

According to a new report released today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Better Buildings Initiative, in collaboration with nearly 1,000 businesses, government, and other partners, saved $13.5 billion in energy costs and more than 130 million metric tons of carbon emissions in the past year—equivalent to the greenhouse gases emitted by 28.2 million vehicles in a single year. These building efficiency improvements are key to reaching President Biden’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Through Better Buildings, leading organizations across the U.S. are demonstrating their commitment to use energy more efficiently,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “In partnership with DOE, they are sharing the solutions needed to tackle our climate crisis, create jobs, and build healthy, safe, and thriving communities.”

Since 2011, the Better Buildings Initiative has partnered with leaders in the public and private sectors to make the nation’s homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants more energy efficient by accelerating investment upgrades and products and sharing best practices.

The 2021 Better Buildings Progress Report released today outlines the progress and collaboration of Better Buildings partners, which represent more than 30 of the country’s Fortune 100 companies, 12 of the top 25 U.S. employers, 12% of the U.S. manufacturing energy footprint, and 13% of total commercial building space, as well as 17 federal agencies, eight national laboratories, and more than 80 states and local governments. The report also highlights the 12 organizations that achieved their Better Buildings Challenge energy, water, or financing goals in the past year.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• 2021 Better Buildings Progress Report

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized the State of Maryland for energy efficiency advances made through DOE’s Better Buildings Challenge. As a partner in the program, Maryland reduced its energy intensity by 20% over its 9-million-square-foot building portfolio and has now committed to another goal of 15% energy reduction across a broader portfolio of over 90 million square feet.

In a live, virtual event, Maryland staff outlined several of the state’s efficiency strategies for reaching and exceeding its Better Buildings Challenge goal. DOE and Maryland staff virtually toured the state’s Western Maryland Railway Station, a Better Buildings Showcase Project that saves 21% annually on energy costs compared to a 2016 baseline. The building serves as the headquarters of the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority (CPPDA) and houses offices for elected officials and local businesses, a museum, and a park and visitor’s center.

• Read the full U.S. Department of Energy News Release
• View the full event recording
• Read the Beat Blog recap with photos
   

Media Coverage: 

• Revived: History meets energy efficiency
• Facility Executive: DOE Recognizes State of Maryland For Energy Efficiency Leadership
• Smart Energy Decisions: Maryland recognized by DOE for energy efficiency efforts

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that Better Buildings, Better Plants partners have cumulatively saved more than $8 billion in energy costs and 1.7 quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs).

More than 235 organizations now partner with DOE through Better Plants. This year, DOE welcomed 20 new partners to the program and challenge, representing 3,200 facilities and roughly 12% of the U.S. manufacturing energy footprint. These partners come from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and include Fortune 100 companies, family-owned small businesses, and water treatment organizations.

“Better Plants Partners exemplify the innovative spirit of American manufacturing,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Alex Fitzsimmons. “These partners are developing, implementing, and sharing innovative, energy-efficient practices that help their organizations save energy and money, which in turn helps the U.S. economy stay competitive.”

• Read the full U.S. Department of Energy News Release

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized Better Buildings Challenge partner Chesapeake College for energy efficiency advances made throughout its Wye Mills, Maryland campus. The college has reduced its energy intensity by 24% since 2011, reaching its Better Buildings Challenge goal of 20% energy reduction eight years ahead of schedule. Chesapeake College has saved more than $250,000 per year in energy costs, and is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in campus operations by 2025.

While adding 20% more campus space, the college has continued to reduce energy usage through equipment upgrades, energy efficiency education programs, and new building and system operations scheduling across the 373,000-square-foot campus. The campus has made sustainability advances beyond energy efficiency as well, including campus-based and publicly-accessible recycling.

Most recently, the college completed a 1.8-megawatt solar array with 1-megawatt battery backup. Through a power purchase agreement and a partnership with the local utility, the college is developing this project into a partial campus microgrid. In times of crisis or disaster, the microgrid will allow campus buildings to serve as critical infrastructure for the regional community, providing stability and resilience.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release
• Recap and Photos

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized Better Buildings, Better Plants partner TE Connectivity for energy productivity advances made in its Lickdale, Pennsylvania plant. The 254,000-square-foot plant employs 500 people and manufactures electrical connectors and contacts used in many applications, primarily household appliances. Through its energy efficiency efforts, the facility saves more than $200,000 per year in energy costs and nearly 10 billion British thermal units, compared to a 2012 baseline.

TE Connectivity first joined DOE’s Better Plants Challenge in 2009 and met its initial energy reduction goal in 2013. The company then set another goal of reducing energy intensity by 25% by 2022, which was met this past year. The manufacturer has committed 66 U.S.-based facilities, including the Lickdale plant, to the Better Plants Challenge and has hosted more than 100 "treasure hunts" in plants to engage operators and employees in finding energy efficiency opportunities. Read more in the full news release.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release
• Recap and Photos

Today, DOE recognized Better Buildings Alliance  partner Gundersen Health System at their Sparta Clinic in Wisconsin for impressive portfolio-wide energy efficiency advances. As part of its Envision Sustainability Program, Gundersen is pursuing energy efficiency through low-energy design standards coupled with renewable energy. Since 2008, Gundersen has saved more than $11 million through energy efficiency upgrades and Gundersen’s Sparta Clinic uses over 50% less energy than the average clinic.

Sparta Clinic was built with sustainable design features aimed at achieving its energy usage goal of 35 kBtu per square foot. After being open just over a year, the clinic surpassed its energy savings goal by 9% which resulted in an annual energy savings of more than $68,500. In May 2017, the clinic was certified LEED Gold for Building Design + Construction.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

Additional media coverage:

• Gundersen's Sparta Clinic Sets The Standard In Sustainability, Monroe County Herald
• Gundersen’s Sparta Clinic receives national praise for energy efficiency, WXOW (ABC)
• Gundersen Health System named energy efficiency leader, WKBT (CBS)
• Recap and Photos

On July 10, Energy Secretary Rick Perry kicked off the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit by recognizing more than 20 Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge partners and allies who achieved their energy, water, or financial goals for 2019 and five who have recently set new Challenge goals after meeting their initial goals. These goal achievers are part of the hundreds of organizations that work with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the Better Buildings Initiative and are featured in the annual Better Buildings Progress Report. The Secretary also announced the launch of the Better Buildings, Better Plants Waste Reduction Pilot.

Last year, Better Buildings Initiative partners and allies saved 1.38 quadrillion British thermal units and $8.4 billion in total energy costs. These organizations are leading the U.S. in energy efficiency by adopting emerging technologies, advancing the American workforce, and sharing their innovative approaches to energy and water efficiency.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized the energy productivity achievements of Eastman Chemical, a global advanced materials and specialty additives company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. As a partner in DOE’s Better Plants Challenge, Eastman committed to improving its energy performance across all U.S. operations by 20%, from a 2008 baseline, while sharing strategies and results. Eastman has improved its energy productivity by approximately 12% since joining, putting the company more than halfway toward its goal.

"By partnering with companies like Eastman to lower energy costs, the Better Plants program is helping to improve manufacturing competitiveness in the United States,” said Daniel R. Simmons, Assistant Secretary for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office at DOE. Simmons visited Eastman’s Kingsport headquarters, the partner’s Showcase Project, and toured the facility. "Seeing first-hand the energy productivity gains that Eastman has accomplished at their Tennessee operations, one of the largest chemical manufacturing sites in North America, it’s clear they have a model for other U.S. manufacturers to follow. Their energy productivity gains help cut costs, create jobs, and drive economic growth."

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release
• Recap and photos

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognized Better Buildings Challenge partners Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC) and Mercy Housing for impressive energy efficiency advances made in multifamily buildings. Both partners have completed showcase projects and are on their way to meeting their goals of reducing energy use by 20% portfolio-wide over 10 years. Mercy Housing has 21 million square feet in its portfolio; TNDC has 2.3 million square feet and has also set a 20% water reduction goal.

Representatives from DOE and HUD visited TNDC’s Better Buildings Showcase Project Alexander Residence and Mercy Housing’s Better Buildings Showcase Project 205 Jones Street Apartments to tour the buildings’ energy and water upgrades. Each organization has recently completed major energy and water efficiency improvements to these properties in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. As a result, the Alexander Residence expects to achieve an annual energy savings of $20,000 or 17% relative to their pre-retrofit baseline. To date, the first-in-class improvements to 205 Jones Street have achieved annual energy savings of $23,319, a 22% cost savings relative to their pre-retrofit utility expenses.

TNDC and Mercy Housing each implemented a combination of energy and water conservation upgrades in their respective building, including a new solar thermal hot water system, energy-efficient steam boiler, thermostatic radiator valves and pipe insulation, new LED lighting throughout tenant and common areas, low-flow water fixtures, and new ENERGY STAR® refrigerators and washing machines. The interventions have resulted in reduced utility costs for both the housing providers and residents, increased resident comfort, and improved asset financial sustainability, which will help preserve affordability in these locations for the long term.

TNDC and Mercy Housing work to preserve affordable housing and services for low-income families and individuals throughout the Bay Area and the U.S., respectively. TNDC’s Alexander Residence is a 12-story building constructed in 1928 and houses 179 seniors with average annual incomes less than $12,000. Mercy Housing’s 205 Jones Street Apartments was constructed in 1920 and serves residents who earn 50-60% of the area median income.

More than 900 organizations now partner with DOE in Better Buildings and have saved more than $3 billion in energy costs to-date. Through Better Buildings, DOE and HUD partner with leaders in the public and private sectors to make the nation’s homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants more energy-efficient by accelerating investment and sharing of successful best practices. Greater efficiency saves billions of dollars on energy bills, reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and creates jobs.

Discover more than 1,500 proven solutions in the Better Buildings Solution Center. View the recap and photos from the event on the Beat Blog. 

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized Better Buildings Alliance partner REI for the energy productivity advances made in its Arizona distribution center located in Goodyear, Arizona. Supporting 40% of the co-op’s stores and employing more than 200 people, the center has achieved an annual energy savings of 18% and annual cost savings of $170,000 from the baseline in the first two years of operation. The Goodyear distribution center is REI’s Better Buildings Showcase Project.

To meet an ambitious goal to have the facility be net-zero energy consumption, REI installed a 2.2-megawatt solar system which is expected to power the entire facility, bringing REI's overall annual energy savings to 100%. The solar array covers 280,000 square feet of roof space and the city of Goodyear's power station is adjacent to the facility, which helps reduce energy loss through transmission. 

REI has implemented other measures as well. REI installed a non-evaporative cooling system which eliminated the need for cooling towers, saving millions of gallons of water every year. The distribution center put energy efficiency directly in the hands of its employees by adding hyperchairs that give staff the ability to control their own microclimate with individual fans and heating elements. Additional energy and cost savings are expected for 2019 as a result of retro-commissioning work completed in late 2018.

The REI facility is the industry’s first omni-channel 1-touch fulfillment system, which enables one person to process items eight times faster than at a typical distribution center by using robotic shuttles to move products. In partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation and The Nature Conservancy of Arizona, REI has supported modernization of irrigation infrastructure to conserve water and enhance flows for recreation and wildlife, protect farmland and limit development and water extraction in sensitive areas, as well as removal of invasive plants to restore river habitat.

REI joined DOE’s Better Buildings Alliance in 2015. Since becoming a partner, REI has actively participated in program events, including webinars, meetings, and working groups to share energy efficiency best practices with peers in the retail sector.  

More than 900 organizations now partner with DOE in Better Buildings and have saved more than $3 billion in energy costs to-date. Through Better Buildings, DOE partners with leaders in the public and private sectors to make the nation’s homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants more energy-efficient by accelerating investment and sharing of successful best practices. Greater efficiency saves billions of dollars on energy bills, reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and creates jobs.

Discover more than 1,500 proven solutions in the Better Buildings Solution Center. View photos from this event on the Better Buildings Beat Blog.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Individuals Taking Energy Action in Manufacturing (ITEAM) prize, a competition designed to identify and attract attention to a wide range of ideas and practices that are driving measurable energy savings at U.S. manufacturing plants to stimulate innovation at other facilities. The ITEAM Prize is a means to find individuals who were responsible for creative, specific, and innovative ideas and practices that led to significant, measurable energy savings at their manufacturing facilities; and encourage those individuals to widely share their ideas and practices for the benefit of U.S. manufacturing facilities nationwide.

DOE is dedicating up to $75,000 for these awards, and will select up to five winners in each category of small, medium, and large manufacturers, for a total of up to 15 winners. Each winner will be awarded a cash prize of $5,000. In addition to the cash prize, the winners will be recognized and given an opportunity to present their submissions at the annual Better Buildings Summit and/or the World Energy Engineering Congress or a similar event. Winning ideas and practices will be highlighted on DOE’s Better Buildings Solutions Center website and winners may have an opportunity to participate in webinars and other events to share their ideas and practices with other organizations.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized 19 Better Buildings Challenge partners who achieved their energy productivity goals for 2018 and 26 partners who have set new Challenge goals after meeting their initial goals. Since the start of this voluntary program, Better Buildings Challenge partners together have saved $3.1 billion in energy-cost savings and 380 trillion British thermal units of energy.

Since the start of the program, more than 65 partners and financial allies have met their energy efficiency, water efficiency and/or financing goals ahead of schedule. Many of these goal achievers have publicly committed to new Challenge goals, demonstrating that continual energy efficiency improvement is possible even after sizable gains have already been made.

DOE recognizes the following partners for achieving the energy, water, and financial goals they set as partners in the Better Buildings Challenge:

• Anthem, Inc (energy and water) – Indianapolis, Indiana
• Ascension (energy) – St. Louis, Missouri
• Bank of America Merrill Lynch (financial) – New York, New York
• C. F. Martin & Co., Inc. (energy) – Nazareth, Pennsylvania
• Citi (financial) – New York, New York
• City of Chicago, Illinois (energy) – Chicago, Illinois
• Columbia Association (energy) – Columbia, Maryland
• EDF Renewables (financial) – San Diego, California
• General Motors (energy) – Detroit, Michigan
• Jersey City Housing Authority (energy) – Jersey City, New Jersey
• Legrand (energy) – Hartford, Connecticut
• Metrus Energy (financial) – San Francisco, California
• New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (financial) – New York, New York
• PACE Equity (financial) – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Shari’s Café & Pies (water) – Beaverton, Oregon
• Sol Systems (financial) – Washington, D.C.
• State of North Carolina (energy)
• Tower Companies (water) – Rockville, Maryland
• UW Health (energy) – Middleton, Wisconsin

The following partners have met their goals previously and are being recognized today for setting new Challenge goals to achieve even greater energy and/or water efficiency:

• 3M – 30% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• Bank America Merrill Lynch – an additional $3 billion in funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
• Bentley Mills – 25% reduction in energy intensity by 2024
• Cardington Yutaka Technologies – 25% reduction in energy intensity by 2029
• Celanese – 15% reduction in energy intensity by 2020
• Citi - $2.25 billion in funding committed for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
• City of Hillsboro, OR – 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• City of West Palm Beach, FL – 15% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• Enterprise Community Partners - $130 million in funding committed for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
• Hannon Armstrong - $1 billion in funding committed for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
• HARBEC – 25% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• Havertys – 30% reduction in energy intensity by 2019
• Legrand – 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• Lennox International – 25% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• Metrus Energy - $175 million in funding committed for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
• Nissan North America – 15% reduction in energy intensity by 2022
• River Trails School District 26, IL – 30% reduction in energy intensity by 2026
• Schneider Electric – 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2028
• Shorenstein Properties LLC – 40% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• TE Connectivity – 25% reduction in energy intensity by 2024
• Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. – 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2026
• United Technologies Corporation (UTC) – 17.5% reduction in energy intensity by 2020
• University of California, Irvine – 40% reduction in energy intensity by 2020
• UW Health – 34% reduction in energy intensity by 2027
• Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority – 60% reduction in energy intensity by 2025
• Volvo Group North America – 25% reduction in energy intensity by 2024

DOE aims to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings 20% more energy efficient over the next decade as part of the Better Buildings Initiative. Greater energy efficiency saves billions of dollars, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates U.S. jobs. More than 900 Better Buildings partners are sharing their innovative approaches and successful strategies to accelerate the adoption of energy efficient technologies.

Discover more than 1,500 proven solutions in the Better Buildings Solution Center.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

Energy Department Brings Energy Training and Peer Event to Cleveland to Expand Progress in Resilient Energy and Water Management in Federal Facilities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is hosting the Energy Exchange and Better Buildings Summit, the largest DOE training, trade show, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing event of the year, in Cleveland, Ohio, from August 21–23, 2018. Co-sponsored by DOE’s Federal Energy Management Program and Better Buildings Initiative, the event is an annual, collaborative forum between the federal government, industry, and state and local stakeholders within the building, energy, water, and transportation communities. Thought leaders will convene to work toward accelerating the adoption of energy and water efficiency, integrated resilience, emerging and secure technologies, and replicable renewable energy solutions.

This year’s event features more than 200 technical training sessions and serves as DOE’s most dynamic opportunity to share best practices, provide technical information and tools, and offer accredited training to federal facility and energy managers. DOE will recognize innovative private sector partners and federal leaders at the FEDS Spotlight and Better Buildings Challenge Partner Recognition sessions and will provide on-site technical expertise alongside experts from the national laboratories at the Ask-an-Expert Lounge.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release
   

The Opening Plenary begins at 8:30am Tuesday, August 21, and features speakers from FEMP, the Defense Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). On Tuesday afternoon, attendees can participate in Showcase Building Tours. Better Buildings partners and other Cleveland-area organizations are opening their doors to share the insights and experiences behind their energy and water-efficient properties and the strategies that help them achieve their goals. Tour groups will meet in Grand Ballroom C at the Huntington Convention Center by 2:00pm to check in, sign a waiver, and be guided to their destination. A limited number of walk-on spaces will be available; these are first-come, first-serve. 

Wednesday features Better Buildings Sector Meet-ups, Keynote speakers - including the Mayor of Cleveland, Chairman of the Ohio PUC, and C-suite executives from Legrand and Cleveland Clinic - the Resilience Roundtable and Buildings and the Grid roundtable discussions, and a reception for all attendees from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Throughout the conference Tuesday-Thursday, technical experts from the National Labs, FEMP, and more will be staffing the Ask-an-Expert Lounge outside the Energy Exchange Trade Show. View the full schedule here. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized the energy productivity achievements of C.F. Martin & Co. ® (Martin Guitar), a Nazareth, Pennsylvania-based guitar manufacturer and a partner in DOE’s Better Plants Challenge. As a partner in DOE’s Better Plants Challenge, Martin Guitar committed to improving its energy performance across all of their U.S. operations by 25% within 10 years while sharing their strategies and results. Martin Guitar, founded in 1833 and continuously family owned and operated for six generations, achieved this energy efficiency milestone only two years after joining the program.

"Manufacturing competitiveness is a key goal of this Administration," said Daniel Simmons, principal deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at DOE. "Through the DOE’s Better Plants program, manufacturers like C.F. Martin are using energy more productively, creating jobs, and driving economic growth."

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today unveiled the fourth installment of the "Better Buildings Challenge SWAP," featuring General Motors and L'Oréal USA. In this online video series, the companies swap energy management teams to gain new insights, save money and improve the energy performance of their industrial facilities. The result is an informative, behind the scenes look at what it takes to improve manufacturing competitiveness through energy efficiency.

Through the Better Buildings Challenge SWAP, DOE is partnering with private-sector businesses and public-sector organizations to successfully explore and share new ways to reduce their energy use and improve their productivity. The webisodes are an engaging, behind the scenes look at leaders in action and demonstrate the value of sharing ideas and best practices.

"General Motors and L'Oréal USA are taking this unique challenge and paving the way for other industrial companies to improve their energy efficiency and save money," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan. "This is a rare opportunity to see these energy leaders in action, learn how American products are manufactured and understand how to apply their energy management expertise to buildings and facilities nationwide."

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release
• Watch SWAP 4

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) announced the Sustainability in Manufacturing partnership. Through this partnership fostered by DOE’s Better Plants program, DOE and the NAM will work together to help U.S. manufacturers drive energy productivity improvements and accelerate adoption of energy efficient technologies.

The Sustainability in Manufacturing partnership will provide DOE and the NAM the opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers, identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, and serve as a platform to recognize companies and leaders that have led the way in the application of innovative strategies.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that partners in its Better Buildings, Better Plants Program have saved about $4.2 billion in cumulative energy costs across nearly 3,000 facilities that represent about 12 percent of the U.S. manufacturing energy footprint. In addition, DOE is recognizing the achievements of nine partners who have met their energy or water savings goals this year and welcoming 12 new partners who have joined the program.  

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

Today the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the results of the Better Buildings Alliance's Interior Lighting Campaign (ILC), recognizing 13 organizations leading the way in efficient troffer lighting and control systems upgrades. Altogether, the ILC partners have exceeded the national goal to replace 1 million troffers and have already upgraded 1.2 million lighting and controls systems for a combined savings of $18.5 million. The Better Buildings Alliance's ILC is a collaborative program designed to help facility owners and managers take advantage of savings opportunities from high-efficiency interior lighting solutions.

• U.S. Department of Energy News Release

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the energy-efficiency progress made by the 345 leading public and private sector organizations in the Better Buildings Challenge. These efforts have led to a combined 240 trillion Btus and an estimated $1.9 billion in cumulative energy and cost savings. These results are summarized in the 2017 Better Buildings Progress Report released today that highlights accomplishments across the broader Better Buildings Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings 20 percent more energy efficient over the next decade by focusing on overcoming market barriers and sharing partner-created solutions.

• U.S. Department of Energy press release

This year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) welcomed 240 organizations as partners into the Better Buildings Alliance, Better Plants, Better Communities Alliance and Better Buildings Accelerators—collaborative efforts designed to help public sector organizations and private sector companies to save money and improve energy efficiency. Today, DOE is releasing new tools and resources developed in collaboration with Accelerator partners and announcing important results from its technology campaigns. Part of the Better Buildings Initiative, these efforts target specific barriers to energy efficiency and encourage the discovery and demonstration of innovative technologies and best practices for saving energy.

• U.S. Department of Energy Progress Alert

The U.S. Department of Energy, through the Better Buildings Alliance's Advanced Rooftop Unit Campaign (ARC), is recognizing eight organizations for their energy efficiency leadership in replacing and upgrading rooftop units (RTUs) in commercial buildings. Since 2013, 300 partners have replaced or upgraded a total of 77,000 units, saving over $166 million in energy costs and racking up $66 million in savings in 2016 alone.

• U.S. Department of Energy Progress Alert

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Better Buildings Challenge recognized the Corcoran Management Company today for its renewable and energy-efficient upgrades implemented at Canterbury Towers, one of the company's multi-family housing facilities located in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Canterbury Towers demonstrates how building efficiency upgrades can preserve quality living for elderly and disabled persons. Most recently, at this property, Corcoran Management is preserving the comfort and affordability for its residents with updates to the lighting and HVAC systems, and the replacement of all windows. Altogether the 100,000 square foot, 156-unit affordable apartment community has cut energy use by 30% and is saving $50,000 annually on energy costs.

• U.S. Department of Energy Progress Alert

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today launched season two of “Better Buildings Challenge SWAP,” featuring the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. Both military operations swap energy teams to improve the energy efficiency of each one’s campus.

The web series covers a two-day swap at each campus. The teams learn from each other that they can apply simple behavioral changes to help students and faculty be more mindful about lighting usage and plug loads in classrooms when not in use.

• Watch the episodes
• U.S. Department of Energy progress alert

The Energy Department’s Better Buildings Challenge program recognized University of California, Berkeley for its leadership in energy efficiency. The University achieved 65 percent energy savings at its Jacobs Hall facility, the College of Engineering’s interdisciplinary hub where students and teachers from across the university work at the intersection of design and technology. Through its Energy Management Initiative (EMI)—an innovative approach to linking energy costs to building occupants—UC Berkeley has achieved campus-wide energy savings of $6.5 million and now has a practice in place to help benchmark energy performance in its buildings.

• U.S. Department of Energy Progress Alert

The U.S. Department of Energy is launching the Better Buildings Smart Labs Accelerator to advance energy efficiency in laboratory buildings owned and operated by universities, corporations, national laboratories, hospitals, and federal agencies. Through the new Better Buildings Smart Labs Accelerator, partners will pursue ambitious energy-saving targets and strategies that will address key barriers to improving energy efficiency.

A typical laboratory is nearly four times more energy intensive than an average commercial building and can account for up to 70% of a given campus' energy footprint. It's estimated that if all laboratory buildings improved their energy efficiency by 20%, annual energy and cost savings could reach about 40 trillion British Thermal Units or $1 billion.

• U.S. Department of Energy Progress Alert

On September 23, Secretary Ernest Moniz announced that 12 partners in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants program have met their energy or water savings goals this year, and 30 new partners have joined the program, representing significant growth for the program to accelerate progress in energy and water savings. Since President Obama launched the Better Buildings, Better Plants program five years ago, partners have saved more than $3 billion in cumulative energy costs.

The Better Buildings, Better Plants Program is part of the broader Better Buildings Initiative, launched in 2011. The goal of the Better Buildings program is to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings 20 percent more energy efficient over ten years.

Better Plants partners represent more than 11 percent of the manufacturing sector’s total energy footprint, with over 2,500 facilities across the United States. So far, partners have reported cumulative energy savings of 600 trillion BTUs, and nearly 35 million metric tons of avoided climate-changing carbon emissions.

• 2016 Better Plants Progress Update

As part of the Obama Administration's Clean Energy Savings for All Initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released best practice guidelines for Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. PACE is an innovative mechanism for financing energy efficiency, solar, and related improvements. DOE's updated best practices guidelines will enable more states and communities to adopt and implement residential PACE programs, unlocking access to affordable financing to reduce homeowners' energy bills, achieve more resilient homes and communities, and create jobs. DOE will also provide technical assistance to make it easier for states and communities to stand up effective PACE programs.

The updated guidelines also incorporate advancements in DOE residential energy efficiency analytical tools and resources, such as the DOE Home Energy Score and Standard Work Specifications, and step-by-step program guidance available through the Better Buildings Residential Program Solution Center. These tools and resources can be used by PACE program administrators and participants to plan, develop and implement programs that effectively deliver home energy upgrades to participating households in their jurisdictions.

• U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Progress Alert
• Best Practice Guidelines for Residential PACE Financing Programs
• FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces Clean Energy Savings for All Americans Initiative

The Energy Department today announced the results of this year’s Better Buildings Alliance technology and market campaigns. Through partnerships with public and private sector organizations, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working with interested landlords, tenants, and owners to adopt solutions that best meet the needs of their buildings for sustainable leasing and upgrades to indoor lighting. There are now over 160 participants and supporters in the Interior Lighting Campaign (ILC) and 40 Green Lease Leaders. Together these leading organizations continue to prove how novel thinking and innovative technologies can rapidly cut the energy wasted by the nation’s commercial buildings, including offices, hospitals, restaurants, retail stores, and even military bases.

• U.S. Department of Energy Progress Alert

U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro 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 now exceed the $1.3 billion mark 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, and $5.5 billion dollars in energy efficiency investment. Latest reporting shows partners are on track, decreasing energy use on average by over two percent each year.

• 2016 Progress Report
• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• White House Factsheet

The U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Home Upgrade Program and Home Energy Information Accelerators work with partners across the nation and are making important progress in lowering the costs of energy upgrade programs, while improving overall program effectiveness and enhancing access to information on home energy performance for consumers. These efforts help homeowners save money, while creating local jobs and improving the environment.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

The Energy Department recognized Better Buildings Challenge partner, West Palm Beach for their leadership in improving energy efficiency across 1.4 million square feet of building space by 20 percent within 10 years. The city of West Palm Beach has met their Better Buildings Challenge goal of 20 percent energy reduction and Mayor Jeri Muoio is announcing a new 15 percent energy reduction goal for 2025. 

The city of West Palm Beach is planning on committing a number of new buildings to receive a variety of energy efficiency upgrades, adding on approximately 130,000 square feet of building space to the Better Buildings Challenge.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

Making businesses and homes more energy efficient is a win for jobs and economic growth, operating costs and bottom lines, and the President’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change. That is why, today, as part of the President’s Better Buildings Program, the Administration is announcing:

• 18 utilities, serving more than 2.6 million commercial customers, will provide access to energy data building owners by 2017, the first step to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings;
• 30 cities and states and 21 organizations from across the country are committing to take new actions to make it easier to identify ways to cut energy waste by making energy data available to building owners,
• 24 cities, states, and businesses are committing to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings 20 percent by 2020; and
• Seven cities and states from across the country are committing to install more efficient outdoor lighting. 

The actions announced today build on commitments made by 285 organizations representing nearly 4 billion square feet since the Administration launched the President’s Better Buildings program in 2011.  The program’s mission is to partner with the Energy Department to improve energy efficiency 20 percent by 2020, and share successful strategies that maximize efficiency deployment over the next decade. These new commitments from cities, school districts, and businesses like Nike and Wendy’s will help cut waste in our buildings, saving energy and money and reducing pollution.

• White House Fact Sheet
• Energy Data Accelerator Key Accomplishments and Results

As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to cut energy waste in the nation’s buildings, the U.S. Department of Energy recognized Placer County for its leadership in improving energy efficiency across its 5-million-square-foot portfolio of countyowned buildings and schools by 20 percent in 10 years. Through the department’s Better Buildings Challenge, the county’s showcase project, the Granlibakken conference center and resort, is expecting a 43 percent reduction in energy use and savings of up to $44,000 each year.

• U.S. Department of Energy press release
• Better Buildings Beat Blog: Placer County’s Granlibakken Conference Center and Resort Shows 43 percent energy savings

Today, the Energy Department announced that manufacturers in its Better Buildings, Better Plants Program have racked up an estimated $2.4 billion in cumulative energy cost savings over the last five years. Over the last year, 21 new industrial partners joined the Better Plants program, including 12 water and wastewater treatment agencies — part of a strategic expansion to increase energy efficiency across the nation’s water infrastructure. Close to 160 industrial organizations representing more than 2,400 facilities are partnering with the Energy Department through Better Plants. Together, these partners consume about 2.2 quadrillion BTUs of energy, which is approximately 11.4 percent of the U.S. manufacturing sector’s total use, or about the same as the state of Tennessee’s annual energy consumption. The Department also announced that nine partners have met their energy efficiency targets this year.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• 2015 Better Plants Progress Update

The Energy Department recognized Arizona’s Dysart Unified School District (USD) for increasing the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies at 25 schools. Through the Department’s Better Buildings Challenge, Dysart USD has committed to 20 percent energy savings over 10 years, spanning more than three million square feet of building space. The district has already achieved 10 percent energy savings since 2011, and its Better Buildings Challenge showcase project, Kingswood Elementary School, has achieved 16 percent energy savings. Officials from the Energy Department and the school district toured the showcase project, now equipped with rooftop solar panels generating 469 kilowatts (kW) annually, and advanced chillers to cool the building.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

To further advance energy efficiency in buildings across the country, the Department of Energy is moving into the residential sector by launching two new Better Buildings Accelerators that will help American families improve the efficiency of their homes. The two new accelerators announced today are aimed at making home energy information more accessible to potential homebuyers and improving and expanding home upgrade programs that help Americans save money on their energy bills. With new accelerators announced today, the Department is working to build on the success of the Better Buildings Challenge, cutting energy waste and moving the United States closer to a clean energy future.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

Today the Energy Department launched a new indoor lighting campaign to increase the use of high efficiency lighting technologies in commercial buildings. Through the Better Buildings Alliance, the Department is working with key stakeholders and end users in both the public and private sectors to install and demonstrate advanced technologies. Additionally, the Department recognized Advanced Roof-top Unit Campaign (ARC) partners and Green Lease Leaders for collaboration between building owners, landlords and tenants to improve energy efficiency

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

Today the Energy Department recognized the city of Fort Worth for its leadership in advancing energy efficiency. Through the Better Buildings Challenge, Fort Worth has achieved eight percent energy savings across 19 million square feet of public and private sector buildings since 2009. The city is on-track to meet a ten year goal to improve energy use by 20 percent by 2020. Municipal facilities in the program alone will have achieved energy and water savings, totaling $65 million dollars over the next ten years.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

As part of the Administration’s effort to cut energy waste in the nation’s buildings, the Energy Department today recognized its Cleveland area partners for their leadership in saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through the Better Buildings Challenge, Cleveland partners including the city of Cleveland, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the Cuyahoga Housing Authority and Forest City Enterprises are committed to reducing their energy use by 20 percent across their entire building portfolios over the next decade. By making energy efficiency upgrades to facilities across the city and demonstrating practices that can be replicated in the future, these partners are helping to save money and energy, while also making the city more sustainable for future generations.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

Building on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Energy Department announced today that more than 20 new partners have committed to improving energy efficiency across their respective building portfolios by 20 percent over the next ten years. These new partners, including the 6 multifamily partners announced by the White House earlier today, bring with them fresh perspectives, representing over 50 million square feet of fast-food, restaurant, manufacturing, university, and government office space. As leaders in energy efficiency, partners will work with the Department to share their successful efficiency strategies and help pave the way for other organizations to follow.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Read the White House Fact Sheet featuring new multifamily partners

The U.S. Department of Energy today recognized Cummins for demonstrating leadership in reducing energy consumption and costs at its Jamestown Engine Plant. The plant is a Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge showcase project, and features multi-million dollar energy-saving infrastructure upgrades and a new, 2 megawatt solar installation, capable of generating about a third of the plant’s power on the sunniest days. The efficiency improvements made to this site will result in an estimated 250 billion BTUs in energy savings—translating into $1.4 million in annual savings. Cummins has committed to a 25 percent reduction in energy intensity by 2016 across 104 facilities, including 19 plants, covering eight million square feet. It has already achieved its goal with a cumulative reduction of 34 percent, and plans to announce a new energy efficiency target soon.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Energy.gov article: Revving up Energy Efficiency at the Cummins Plant in Jamestown, NY

Building on the Administration’s efforts to double energy productivity and help American businesses save money by saving energy, the Energy Department today recognized 11 companies that have met ambitious energy-efficiency goals through the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program. Across the country, manufacturers spend more than $200 billion each year to power their plants. Through the Energy Department’s Better Plants Program, American manufacturers commit to improve their energy intensity by 25 percent over ten years, or an equally ambitious level for their sector.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

The White House announces that 28 new state, city, multifamily housing, retailer, commercial real estate, and manufacturing organizations are joining as Partners in the President’s Better Buildings Challenge. These organizations are committing to improving the energy efficiency of more than 400 million square feet of additional floor space, an area the size of more than 7,000 football fields, by at least 20 percent in the next decade.

• White House Fact Sheet

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced that Better Buildings Challenge Partners are on track to meet their energy performance goals in their second year, saving approximately $100 million a year. These Partners have also shared results from more than 70 showcase projects and 40 implementation models – describing their successful approaches to help others follow their lead. The Department also announced that 26 new Partners and 7 Financial Allies – including Wal-Mart, General Mills, City of San Diego, Jonathan Rose Companies, Hannon Armstrong, and Enterprise Community Partners – have committed to improving energy efficiency across more than 1 billion square feet of building space. The new Progress Update – Spring 2014 summarizes the significant energy efficiency progress being made by the market leaders who have taken the Better Buildings Challenge.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Progress Update - Spring 2014
• White House Fact Sheet

The U.S. Department of Energy today recognized Staples for its leadership in energy efficiency at one of its facilities near Dallas, Texas. As part of their participation in the Better Buildings Challenge, Staples is conducting retrofits in facilities across the United States. At their showcase project, the Coppell Fulfillment Center, Staples deployed an “Eco-Treasure Hunt” program that identified ways to save energy in the 245,000 square foot warehouse building, which is fully air conditioned and operates 90 hours each week. Staples implemented a host of energy efficiency measures in its fulfillment centers, including the use of advanced lighting technologies such as LEDs in loading docks and large fans to keep employees comfortable and increase productivity.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Coppell Fulfillment Center

Through the Home Energy Scoring Tool, more than 8,500 homes have been scored by the Energy Department's growing network of more than 25 partners and 175 qualified assessors. After more than a year of implementation and feedback from program partners, the Energy Department made significant improvements to the scoring tool's calculation methodology and user interface. To inspire greater investments in energy efficiency, the tool also provides more detailed and cost-effective recommendations to help consumers further improve their home's energy efficiency.

The updated tool is more sensitive to local climate—collecting data from more than 1,000 weather stations nationwide compared to the 250 stations used previously. The Energy Department, through LBNL, is working with third-party software companies to license the Home Energy Score application programming interface (API) to build apps and other online resources that exchange data with the tool.

• U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Progress Alert 

Through the Better Plants Challenge, Alcoa has demonstrated leadership by setting an ambitious goal to reduce the energy intensity of 29 of its plants by 25 percent by 2020 and sharing strategies and best practices to help other U.S. companies improve their energy efficiency. U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Danielson joined officials from Alcoa to tour the company’s Cleveland facility and its recent energy efficiency improvements. In addition, Alcoa and steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal are co-hosting an energy efficiency training program at their Cleveland plants this week for staff at both companies. Sponsored by the Department of Energy, this hands-on technical training will further help plant staff identify new opportunities that reduce energy use and save money.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Alcoa's Leadership in the Better Plants Challenge

Accomplishments across the Better Plants Program are summarized in the Department of Energy's Better Plants Progress Update - Fall 2013. Additionally, 13 companies have stepped up to the Better Plants Challenge, which is the industrial component of the Better Buildings Challenge.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Better Plants Progress Update - Fall 2013

The Department of Energy is recognizing its Better Buildings Challenge Partners and Allies for the first year's progress, which shows they are on track to meet President Obama's goal to reduce by 20% the energy intensity in the commercial and industrial sectors by 2020. The recently released Progress Update – Spring 2013 summarizes the significant energy efficiency gains being made by the market leaders who have taken the Better Buildings Challenge.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release
• Progress Update – Spring 2013

These organizations are committing to reduce energy in more than 200 million square feet of commercial space combined.

• U.S. Department of Energy Press Release

• US Department of Energy Press Release
• Better Buildings Challenge Partner Descriptions

President Obama announced nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next 2 years. These investments will save billions in energy costs, promote energy independence, and, according to independent estimates, create tens of thousands of jobs in the hard-hit construction sector. The $4 billion investment announced today includes a $2 billion commitment, made through the issuance of a Presidential Memorandum, to energy upgrades of federal buildings using long term energy savings to pay for up-front costs, at no cost to taxpayers. In addition, 60 CEOs, mayors, university presidents, and labor leaders today committed to invest nearly $2 billion of private capital into energy efficiency projects; and to upgrade energy performance by a minimum of 20% by 2020 in 1.6 billion square feet of office, industrial, municipal, hospital, university, community college and school buildings. 

• White House Press Release

Job creation through energy efficiency is one of the key priorities of the Jobs Council. That's why the Council is focusing on taking critical steps on the Better Buildings Initiative, a program that can create jobs in both the short term and the long term. Building retrofitting through BBI can put construction workers and contractors to work now, and it can create manufacturing jobs in the near future as the production of energy-efficient products at US manufacturing facilities increases. Last month we were excited to announce the first round of partners committing to the Better Buildings Challenge, a key part of the Better Buildings Initiative.  It was fitting that today’s meeting was in Los Angeles which was one of the first three municipal partners, along with Atlanta and Seattle, to join the Challenge and commit to enroll buildings, facilities and financing. The Better Buildings Initiative is just one idea of many on which the Jobs Council is working to catalyze actions by the private and public sectors to create jobs and strengthen US competitiveness. 

• White House Blog

President Obama is proposing new efforts to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings across the country. The “Better Buildings Initiative,” outlined today at Penn State University, will achieve a 20 percent improvement over the next decade, saving companies and business owners tens of billions of dollars a year. The plan will spur innovation by reforming tax and other incentives to retrofit, creating a new competitive grant program for states and localities that streamline their regulations to attract retrofit investment, and challenging the private sector to invest in building upgrades through a new “Better Buildings Challenge.” 

• Video and Remarks
• White House Blog
• White House Press Release