BOMA International recently concluded its 7-Point Challenge, a five-year program designed to help incentivize voluntary market-driven efforts among commercial real estate companies to reduce their use of natural resources, non-renewable energy sources and waste production.

 

THE 7-POINT CHALLENGE

1. Continue to work towards a goal to decrease energy consumption by 30 percent across your portfolios by 2012 – as measured against an “average building” measuring a 50 on the ENERGY STAR® benchmarking tool in 2007.
2. At least once a year, benchmark your energy performance and water usage through EPA's ENERGY STAR benchmarking tool (and share your results with BOMA);
3. Provide education to your managers, engineers, and others involved in building operations, to ensure that equipment is properly maintained and utilized;
4. Perform an energy audit and/or retro-commissioning of your building, and implement low-risk, low-cost and cost effective strategies to improve energy efficiency with high returns;
5. Extend equipment life by improving the operations and maintenance of building systems and ensure equipment is operating as designed;
6. Through leadership, positively impact your community and your planet by helping to reduce your industry's role in global warming; and
7. Position yourself and the industry as leaders and solution providers to owners and tenants seeking environmental and operational excellence.