In July of 2007 BOMA issued a challenge to all building owners to participate in the 7 Point Challenge below:
- Continue to work towards a goal to decrease energy consumption by 30 percent across your portfolios by 2012 – as measured against an “average building” measuring a 50 on the ENERGY STAR® benchmarking tool in 2007.
- At least once a year, benchmark your energy performance and water usage through EPA’s ENERGY STAR benchmarking tool (and share your results with BOMA);
- Provide education to your managers, engineers, and others involved in building operations, to ensure that equipment is properly maintained and utilized;
- Perform an energy audit and/or retro-commissioning of your building, and implement low-risk, low-cost and cost effective strategies to improve energy efficiency with high returns;
- Extend equipment life by improving the operations and maintenance of building systems and ensure equipment is operating as designed;
- Through leadership, positively impact your community and your planet by helping to reduce your industry’s role in global warming; and
- Position yourself and the industry as leaders and solution providers to owners and tenants seeking environmental and operational excellence.
As of June 2009 there have been 100 signers of this challenge including SCRER Member USAA Real Estate. These 7 Point’s could help bring your portfolio to greater energy efficiency through benchmarking, education and maintenance with relatively little upfront costs to start. Take a look at the link below and contact us here at SRI in you have any questions.
http://www.boma.org/getinvolved/7pointchallenge/Pages/default.aspx