2015 Michigan Battle of the Buildings Open for Registration
CONTACT
Megan Susterich or Jeremy Bakken
(616) 233-0500
msusterich@lambert-edwards.com
Michigan Companies Cut Energy Usage Through
Second Annual Battle of the Buildings Competition
Grand Rapids, Mich. Jan. 8, 2015 – Registration is officially open for Michigan commercial and industrial buildings of all sizes interested in joining the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBCWM) second annual Battle of the Buildings competition. The statewide competition is an expansion of the Battle of the Buildings that started in West Michigan last year.
Battle of the Buildings is an awards and recognition program for energy use reduction. The competition is a way to encourage energy-efficient practices in buildings across the state of Michigan and to instill a spirit of friendly competition among the area’s building owners and operators. Steelcase, Western Michigan University and Nichols have already committed for the 2015 competition totaling over 3,000,000 sq. feet.
“I would like to thank the Michigan Battle of the Buildings Program for taking steps to reduce energy waste in our state,” said Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder. “By working together, we can make Michigan’s energy resources more adaptable, reliable and affordable while preserving our environment for upcoming generations.”
Participants will measure, track and report their monthly energy consumption using Portfolio Manager, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) online energy tracking tool. To cut energy waste, participants will engage in a variety of energy-saving activities such as making improvements to the building, optimizing operations and maintenance, and engaging occupants to save.
The buildings that demonstrate the greatest percentage‐based reduction in EUI (energy use intensity) during the competition will be recognized at the 2016 energy summit. This summit will include national speakers, panel discussions of participants, exhibitor booths and an awards ceremony.
In 2014, a total building sq. footage of 11.4 million competed, equaling 198 football fields. In 2015, the USGBCWM partnered with USGBC Detroit Regional Chapter, Consumers Energy and DTE Energy with plans to more than double last year’s participation. Those companies that register by the deadline of March 31, 2015 will be able to attend a variety of workshops to learn more from local and national energy leaders, the latest technologies to save energy and money and network with others.
For information on how to enter, building registration or to become a Battle partner visit www.michiganbattleofthebuildings.org.
###
About U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is a coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. The West Michigan Chapter provides and develops leadership through affiliations and education at all levels. Where we live, learn & labor matters. For more information, find them on Facebook at facebook.com/USGBCWMChapter, and Twitter at twitter.com/usgbcwm or visit usgbcwm.org or call 616.691.1243.