BOMA is going green with the 7-Point Challenge

The environmental age is upon us. Everyone is concerned not only about our own carbon footprint, but also the economics of energy. These are the days that, if we can reduce our consumption, we will take almost any measure to do it. Green used to make you think of money or if you're Irish, St. Paddy's Day. Now, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of green: energy savings? In July 2007, BOMA International launched the Market Transformation Energy Plan and 7-Point Challenge to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings by 30% by 2012. Across the country there have been several local associations that have endorsed the 7-Point Challenge and companies are making improved energy performance a priority throughout their portfolios. I will recommend to the Greater Buffalo BOMA board that we too endorse the 7-Point Energy Plan and offer education and tool kits to promote and guide our members to reduce their consumption. 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. 7. Position yourself and the industry as leaders and solution providers to owners and tenants seeking environmental and operational excellence. Please check out our website at www.bomabuffalo.com to link to tools to help you meet the 7-Point Challenge. Jeff O'Bannon is the 2008 president of Greater Buffalo BOMA, Buffalo, N.Y.