DOE recognizes Delaware for leadership in Better Buildings Challenge
Delaware became one of just five state governments recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its leadership in the first year of the Better Buildings Challenge.
Launched by President Barack Obama in December 2011, the Better Buildings Challenge is a national leadership initiative that calls on chief executive officers, university presidents, and state and local leaders to reduce their portfolio-wide energy use 20 percent by 2020 and then share the results of their energy-reduction strategies.
“Since joining the Better Buildings Challenge, we’ve worked hard to find innovative ways to reduce energy consumption in state buildings,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “By taking simple steps, like replacing hundreds of incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving alternatives, we’ve achieved real progress in reducing the energy consumption of state government.”
On average, Better Buildings Challenge partners reduced their energy intensity by 2.5 percent in the first year of the initiative. Delaware reduced its energy intensity by 5 percent.
Overall, the state has introduced 12 energy conservation measures at its showcase project, the Carvel State Office Building, ranging from water and lighting improvements to heavy mechanical equipment such as HVAC improvements. Most of these measures have already been completed, while others are nearing completion. Some measures are energy-efficient lighting and lighting controls, cooling tower optimization, insulated hot water piping, ENERGY STAR transformers, heat pump replacement and more.
In addition to the Carvel State Office Building, many other state of Delaware facilities are also undergoing energy improvements as part of the Better Buildings Challenge.
To date, more than 110 organizations representing more than 2 billion square feet of space have joined the Better Buildings Challenge and committed to share portfolio-wide energy consumption data, publicize their cutting-edge showcase projects that demonstrate significant energy savings and share their approaches to overcoming barriers with the marketplace.
"Through the Better Buildings Challenge, our partners are breaking through barriers to reducing energy intensity and achieving lasting results that save money and create jobs," said David Danielson, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy at the U.S. Department of Energy.
For more information on Delaware’s activities and accomplishments in the Better Buildings Challenge, go to www4.eere.energy.gov/challenge/partners/better-buildings/state-of-delaware.
