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May 24, 2019

DOE Celebrates EERE’s Better Building Initiative Partners

Lynn L Bergeson

By Lynn L. Bergeson

On May 16, 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2019 Better Buildings Report, announcing the progress made by public- and private-sector organizations that participate in DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Better Buildings Initiative. Aimed at improving U.S. energy efficiency, partners in the Better Building Initiative represent 32 of the country’s Fortune 100 companies, 12 of the top 25 U.S. employers, 12 percent of the U.S. manufacturing energy footprint, and 13 percent of total commercial building space. According to the report, together they leverage new energy-saving technologies, collaborate to overcome obstacles, invest in innovative projects, and achieve impressive energy savings. Investing in the commercial, industrial, residential, and public sectors to improve energy, these market leaders’ achievements include:

  • Savings of approximately $4 billion since the program started;
     
  • Savings of more than six billion gallons of water;
     
  • Cost savings of about $5.3 billion over the last seven years; and
     
  • An increase in the creation of new tools and strategies targeting efficiency barriers, among other achievements further outlined in the report.
In addition, 20 of the partners and allies achieved their energy, water, or financing goals this year.  Since the program began, 85 partners have now met their original goals. The full report can be accessed here.