Are You Up For America’s Better Buildings Challenge?

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Originally published in the ECOreport.

The Department of Energy has just released a new infographic about energy waste in the US. It traces conservation efforts back to the Better Building challenge that President Obama launched in 2011. 50% of America’s energy is wrapped up in its buildings. The DOE asks, “Are you up for the Better Buildings Challenge?”

This was released along with three videos.

President Obama speaks in the first one. He starts by describing the efforts that the Walmart store he is in has been improving their energy footprint and goes on to talk about the nation as a whole. The 500% growth of solar installations is part of this.

“We know that buildings more energy efficient is one of the easiest ways to create jobs, save money and cut down on harmful pollution that causes climate change. It could save our businesses tens of billions a year on their energy bills – and they can then use that money to grow,” President Obama said.

Secretary Moniz announced that the Better Buildings Challenge partners saved $100 million last year. He mentioned that when some members realized how much money they were saving, they said “this is what we should have been doing all along.”

“Obviously climate was a big driver, but the reality is this is a no regrets activity in terms of its consequences,” Moniz said.

http://youtu.be/m_wY6PpDTUw

The last video is composed of clips from some of America’s business, community and educational leaders describing what they have been doing.