An energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction program from the U.S. Dept. of Energy has saved partner organizations more than $15 billion in energy costs, the agency announced.
The Better Buildings Initiative is a public-private partnership with more than 900 businesses, state and local governments, utilities, housing authorities, and other organizations pursuing energy, waste, water, and/or greenhouse gas reduction goals and sharing their solutions.
The savings represent 155 million metric tons of carbon emissions, or roughly the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by 20 million homes in one year, DOE said. Decarbonizing the building sector is part of President Joe Biden’s plan to reach a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
“This year’s progress report underscores the incredible impact of those commitments in decarbonizing the sectors responsible for over 35% of America’s emissions,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said.
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Since 2011, the Better Buildings Initiative has partnered with leaders in the public and private sectors to improve the energy efficiency of American homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants. Better Buildings partners commit to expanding their investments in energy-saving technologies, sharing best practices, and measuring their progress toward pre-determined goals.
The Better Buildings program includes 36 of the country’s Fortune 100 companies, ten of the top 25 U.S. employers, and more than 100 state and local governments. Together these companies represent 14% of the American manufacturing energy consumption footprint and 13% of total commercial building space.
Twelve organizations reached their Better Buildings Challenge energy or water goals in the past year. Through the Better Buildings or Better Plants Challenge, more than 345 organizations have committed to increasing their energy efficiency and sharing their solutions with the market.
These twelve organizations are:
- Bullitt County Public Schools, KY
- District of Columbia Housing Authority
- Fort Worth Independent School District
- Jamaica Plains Neighborhood Development
- Knoxville, TN
- Legrand North and Central America
- Life Time, Inc.
- Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
- Wendium of Florida
- The Wendy’s Company
- Whole Foods Market
- Will County, IL
