The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the start of this year’s Energy Star Battle of Buildings. The competition theme this year is “Team Challenge,” and focuses on five or more buildings working together as a team to reduce their energy use collectively as much as possible throughout the year.
The competition aims to reduce energy waste in commercial buildings while inspiring businesses to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon pollution, and save money. The energy consumption will be measured and tracked using the EPA’s online energy measurement and tracking tool. The teams will be able to improve equipment, lighting, and change occupants’ behaviors to reduce energy use. The team that has the greatest reduction in energy use will be declared the winner. Last year’s competition, participating companies saved an estimated $20 million on utility bills and almost 50 buildings showed reduction in energy use of 20 percent or more.
