What’s the best way for commercial, multifamily and industrial buildings to be more competitive and increase their bottom line? Often it can be as simple as better energy management. New Orleans properties area can now lower their energy use and save money by signing up for the NOLA Energy Challenge. Buildings of any size from every sector are invited to sign up and start tracking their energy data in order to compete for prizes and industry recognition – not to mention the cost savings provided by energy efficiency opportunities!
Free technical assistance is provided to NOLA Energy Challenge participants, as well as training, industry networking, and marketing opportunities. Building tenants can get involved by helping their property owners or managers sign up for the Challenge.
Did you know that - on average - 30% of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted? By simply measuring and tracking energy data, buildings can realize between 6-14% in reduced energy use over several years, resulting in significant cost savings. Energy-efficient buildings have multiple benefits, including:
- higher lease renewal rates
- higher sales prices
- higher worker productivity rates
- improved indoor air quality
- greater economic competitiveness
- lower lender risk
- lower operating costs
- and lower maintenance costs.
Because of this proven return on investment, the City of New Orleans has embarked on efforts to make its own portfolio of municipal buildings energy efficient, with operational and equipment upgrades planned or implemented on dozens of its properties.
Last year’s NOLA Energy Challenge featured 40 of the city’s most prominent properties in the downtown area. Winners included the F.E. Hebert Federal Building, the U.S. Customs House, the Energy Centre (400 Poydras), the Downtown Tulane Campus, and the Convention Center.
To start on the road to energy savings, property owners and managers can sign up for the NOLA Energy Challenge at nola.gov/EnergyChallenge. There is no fee to participate. The NOLA Energy Challenge is brought to you by the City of New Orleans’ Office of Resilience and Sustainability.