U.S Energy Department’s Building Efficiency Program Saved Over $15 Billion in Energy Costs

The U.S. Energy Department on May 18 announced savings of $15.3 billion through its energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction initiative. The Better Buildings program, a public-private partnership brings together 900 companies, utilities, housing authorities, state and local governments, and other organizations throughout the country committed to pursuing ambitious goals in energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gas reduction. These savings constitute 155 million metric tons of carbon emissions or around the volume of greenhouse gases emitted by 20 million homes per year.

To improve the energy efficiency of homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants, the Better Buildings program has been working with key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors since 2011. The program further plans to expand investment in energy-saving technologies to advance toward its goals.

The 2022 Better Buildings progress report highlights 36 of the top 100 companies and 10 of the top 25 employers in the U.S., as well as over 100 states and local governments. Collectively, they account for 14 percent of total manufacturing energy usage in the country and 13 percent of all commercial space.

Few highlights from the report:

• About 12 organizations achieved their energy and water goals during the past year. Over 345 organizations made a commitment to being more energy-efficient.
• Over 100 establishments have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas release by 50 percent or more within a ten-year period, under the Better Climate Challenge, an initiative to lessen the organization-wide emissions. About 65 low-carbon pilot partners are learning ways to reduce emissions at the building and plant levels.
• Over $28 billion has been provided by financial allies for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects since the program began.
• More than 38,000 people attended nearly 100 Better Buildings training sessions. In addition, more than 500 participants have taken part in Better Plants’ virtual in-plant training sessions over the past year, saving over $4 million in likely energy savings.