Guide to creating a market for energy-efficient commercial buildings launched

by Brianna Crandall — September 21, 2016 — A free guide for reducing carbon emissions resulting from energy consumption in commercial buildings is now available. This guide is intended for use by governments, countries, and regional economic organizations that have taken on the challenge of responding to climate change and are seeking practical solutions for addressing its causes and effects.

 A proven template

This 60-page handbook describes how governments can reduce carbon emissions resulting from energy consumption in commercial buildings by creating market demand for energy-efficient commercial buildings.

It identifies the key program elements implemented by the successful U.S. ENERGY STAR Buildings program and describes a strategy that relies on the power of information to create voluntary market demand for energy-efficient buildings, without relying on the regulation of energy consumption or emissions.

At the same time, it is a strategy that represents a significant opportunity to save money, create jobs, strengthen local economies, and support electric grid reliability.

The U.S. ENERGY STAR Buildings program demonstrated that existing buildings could be 30% more energy efficient while continuing to perform without compromise for their owners, managers, and occupants.  The ENERGY STAR Buildings program achieved emissions reductions by establishing a market for energy efficient commercial buildings.

The guide explains:

  • How to create and implement the key ENERGY STAR Buildings program elements;
  • Why these program elements will result in the creation of a market for energy-efficient commercial buildings; and
  • What organizations are in the best position to implement them.

An Executive Summary or the complete Creating a Market for Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings report is available for free download online.