Better Buildings Challenge encourages institutions to pursue Retro-Commissioning
Aug 26, 2013
The Better Buildings Challenge was launched by President Obama in 2011 with the goal of improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings, institutional buildings, and industrial plants throughout America by at least 20 percent by the year 2020.
By going through a massive Retro-Commissioning process, organizations that participate in the challenge will assess their current building portfolios for energy efficiency, implement a plan to begin energy conservation, and report results that validate their successes from an energy savings standpoint.
Currently, the United States uses approximately $200 billion in energy every year and generates a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition to saving on energy costs and reducing the amount of CO2 emissions, the Retro-Commissioning projects could result in a near $100 billion investment opportunity, which will lead to the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs for unemployed Americans.
Since the 2011 launch of the Better Buildings Challenge, over 110 organizations have taken the initiative to participate in the challenge and work together on developing energy efficiency strategies. The Department of Energy (DOE) has also stepped up to assist the organizations that participate in the challenge by providing energy efficient models and technical expertise in regards to plans for Retro-Commissioning. Additionally, the DOE is connecting organizations with financial institutions that can help them meet energy pledges, and is publicly recognizing those that are achieving energy savings and success through their new energy-efficient solutions.
So far, a number of organizations that have decided to participate in the Better Buildings Challenge have began to demonstrate success with their Retro-Commissioning projects. HEI Hotels, which is made up of luxury hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, and more, have already implemented changes that will allow them to reduce total energy use by 20 percent before the year 2020. The City of Atlanta has already began to restructure and upgrade their entire 400-block downtown area for improved energy efficiency. Lastly, Alcoa, which is a world leader in the production of aluminum, is in the process of constructing a new 35,000-square-foot building that promises a 25 percent reduction in energy use through a new recycling and casting process.
For some information on how Retro-Commissioning can result in massive energy savings, contact sys-tek today. Sys-tek specializes in commissioning and Retro-Commissioning services and will work with you on developing and implementing a new energy-efficient plan for your building.
