DOE touts $15.3B in energy savings through the 900+ member Better Buildings Initiative

According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the public-private partnership known as the Better Buildings Initiative has to date delivered energy savings of $15.3 billion and led to 155 million metric tons of carbon emissions removed.

Consisting of more than 900 organizations – businesses, state and local governments, utilities, and more – working together to reduce waste, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions. The Better Buildings Initiative has been active since 2011. It has worked on energy efficiency in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces alike. This aligns it with President Joe Biden’s plans, emphasizing transitioning the United States to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

“Leading companies, state and local governments, and other organizations are working with DOE’s Better Buildings program and have committed to using less energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sharing the solutions that work,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “This year’s progress report underscores the incredible impact of those commitments in decarbonizing the sectors responsible for over 35 percent of America’s emissions. Our partners are leading the way to a prosperous clean-energy economy and a healthier planet.” 

The Better Buildings Initiative represents more than 14 percent of the American manufacturing energy consumption footprint and 13 percent of total commercial building space. According to the DOE report, 12 entities rose above the rest this past year, though, achieving their energy or water goals:

1. Bullitt County Public Schools, KY
2. District of Columbia Housing Authority
3. Fort Worth Independent School District
4. Jamaica Plains Neighborhood Development
5. Knoxville, TN
6. Legrand North and Central America
7. Life Time, Inc.
8. Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
9. Wendium of Florida
10. The Wendy’s Company
11. Whole Foods Market
12. Will County, IL

Other major markers included more than 100 organizations committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent or more within a decade, the extension of more than $28 billion extended for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects since the start of the program, and more.