According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Better Buildings Challenge has cut energy waste by 94 TBTUs since it was first launched in 2011.

This energy savings is accompanied by a total of $840 million in energy costs and a reduction of 6 million tons of harmful carbon emissions. This reduction is equal to cutting the emissions of 1 million cars. 

The Energy Department is currently expanding the Better Buildings Challenge to include water saving goals as well.

"As the Better Buildings Initiative enters its fourth year, leaders continue to showcase how saving energy saves money, creates jobs, and most importantly accelerates the nation's competitiveness in the clean energy economy while preserving our environment for generations to come," said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

The Better Buildings Challenge has more than 250 partners in over 50 cities including Sprint, Volvo, the City of West Palm Beach, Florida and the state of Maryland.

In addition, 18 new partners have joined the partnership including Intel Corporation, Toyota of Texas and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. 

The newest frontier for the Challenge is water savings. Those that choose to work with the Department of Energy will be able to collaborate on data collection, analysis and possible solutions to known water wasters. 

The Challenge hopes to make a change by 2030 by doubling American energy productivity while encouraging water saving practices among other energy saving changes.

There are many ways home and business owners can save water and water-related energy uses. These include:

• Ensuring water systems are completely turned off when not in use.
• Eliminating water wasting practices such as long showers and long periods of running water. 
• Using water energy to power buildings and homes.

To create a more energy efficient workspace or home environment, schedule an energy audit inspection with Alban Inspectors. Visit our website for more information.