WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Obama Administration announced that six new major U.S. companies are joining President Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge, which encourages private sector leaders across the country to commit to reducing the energy use in their facilities by at least 20 percent by 2020. Starbucks Coffee Company, Staples, and The J.R. Simplot Company will upgrade more than 50 million sq. ft. of combined commercial building space, including 15 manufacturing facilities. Financial allies Samas Capital and Greenwood Energy will also make $200 million in financing available for energy efficiency upgrades through this national leadership initiative. Utility partner Pacific Gas and Electric has also committed to offering expanded energy efficiency programs for its commercial customers, who are responsible for 30 million sq. ft. of commercial building space.
“By joining President Obama's Better Buildings Initiative, these companies are helping to put Americans back to work making our buildings more energy efficient, cutting costs for American companies and American consumers, and providing millions in energy savings every year. This is a win for our economy, our environment, and our energy security,” said Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.
“Investments in energy efficiency that save millions in energy costs are making the American economy more competitive, protecting our air and water, and creating jobs,” said U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “We applaud these new partners in the Better Buildings Challenge for leading by example and showing the savings that energy efficiency makes possible while the U.S. positions itself as a global leader in the clean energy race.”
The Better Buildings Challenge is part of the Obama Administration's comprehensive strategy to improve the competitiveness of American industry and business, by helping companies to save money by reducing energy waste in commercial and industrial buildings. Under the Challenge, private sector CEOs, university presidents and state and local leaders commit to taking aggressive steps to reduce the energy used in their facilities and sharing data and best practices with others around the country. With the addition of the new partners and allies, nearly 70 organizations have now joined the Better Buildings Challenge. Together, these organizations account for more than 1.7 billion sq. ft. of building space, including more than 300 manufacturing plants, and have committed almost $2 billion to support energy efficiency improvements nationwide.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Energy
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