BOMA's 7 Point Challenge hits 100 endorser milestone

An energy efficiency milestone was reached by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International that its ground-breaking 7-Point Challenge initiative has reached 100 endorsers. The 7-Point Challenge urges commercial real estate organizations to improve energy efficiency across their portfolios by 30% by 2012. The success of the challenge demonstrates commercial real estate's commitment to voluntarily reduce energy consumption to improve operational performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Endorsers are using the Challenge as both a call to action and a template for developing sustainability programs. BOMA International introduced its Market Transformation Energy Plan, which includes the 7-Point Challenge, to its members in July 2007 as a strategy to reduce the use of natural resources, non-renewable energy sources and waste production in commercial buildings. The goals of the plan include decreasing energy consumption by 30 percent across portfolios by 2012 (in comparison to an average building scoring a 50 in Energy Star); benchmarking energy performance and water usage through the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star benchmarking tool; and providing education to building owners and operators and others involved in building operations to ensure that equipment is properly operated and maintained. Here are just a few of the sustainability strategies that BOMA members are implementing to meet the goals of the 7-Point Challenge: * Host a quarterly breakfast for engineers and other property management staff with a specific sustainability topic, such as water conservation and HVAC efficiency. (BOMA/Ft. Lauderdale & the Palm Beaches) * Form a green committee to spearhead sustainability efforts and coordinate strategic green initiatives. (BOMA/Boston) * Install waterless urinals to conserve large amounts of water. (River Rock Real Estate Group) * Install an Energy Management System that optimizes air-conditioning and lighting precision. (Bank of America Tower at International Place) * Host a workshop on how to benchmark your building's energy and water usage through Energy Star Portfolio Manager. (BOMA/Boise).