The DOE released the results of the Better Buildings Challenge.
The Better Buildings Challenge released its first year’s energy savings from its partners. According to the report, the goal of the challenge is to increase energy efficiency by 20 percent among American commercial and industrial buildings by 2020. The challenge’s energy partners have improved energy efficiency at their facilities by more than 2.5 percent, or about $58 million in annual energy savings, and support President Barack Obama’s goal of doubling energy productivity in America by 2030.
“President Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge is bringing together private industry and government to integrate energy efficiency into regular business planning and operations, saving millions of dollars by reducing energy waste,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “The leadership and investments of our Better Buildings partners are demonstrating the promise of energy efficiency by reducing energy costs, helping to create American jobs and increasing competitiveness in the private sector.”
The United States spends approximately $200 billion for commercial lighting and an additional $200 billion for energy at industrial buildings each year. Commercial and industrial energy use accounts for nearly half of the country’s energy use and more than 40 percent of the nation’s carbon emissions, the report said.
The Better Buildings Challenge was launched in 2011 and seeks to achieve record-breaking energy savings. There are more than 110 organizations – including local governments, school districts and universities participating in the program as well as healthcare and manufacturing facilities that partnered with the Energy Department to increase energy savings. There are also financial and utility companies that help partners cover the costs of the energy-efficient installations. So far, $1.1 billion in private financing has been issued for energy-efficiency improvements by the partners.
More than 1,300 of the 7,700 facilities participating in the challenge have reduced their energy intensity by at least 20 percent. An additional 2,100 have reduced energy intensity by at least 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
DOE recognizes HEI Hotels and Resorts
HEI Hotels and Resorts was recognized by the DOE for its success and leadership in the Better Buildings Challenge. According to the release, the company has reduced its energy usage by more than 9 percent and is on track to meet its energy reduction goal.
“We continue to be proud of our environmental and energy conservation record,” said HEI Vice President of Facilities Bob Holesko. “Our industry-leading innovations and solutions smartly and effectively reduce energy consumption without sacrificing the guest experience. By participating in the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, we are able to share our energy-saving best practices, strategies and tips for the collective improvement of the hospitality industry.”
Some of the energy efficient upgrades installed by HEI include motion sensors in stairwells and vending areas, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in public spaces and meeting room occupancy sensors, the company said.
Contact the energy efficiency consultants at Lumenistics for more information on the benefits of LED lighting.