building efficiency
Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge
Community-wide Program (Complete)
The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (ABBC) is a voluntary program for commercial buildings in Metro Atlanta in which building owners pledge to reduce energy and water consumption by 20% by 2020 (2009 baseline). The ABBC met this goal with a 20.3% energy reduction two years ahead of schedule.
A joint initiative of the City of Atlanta, Southface, Central Atlanta Progress, Midtown Alliance, and Livable Buckhead
Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance
Community-wide Policy (On-going)
An ordinance passed unanimously by Atlanta City Council in 2015 that requires commercial and multifamily buildings in Atlanta over 25,000 square feet to benchmark energy and water consumption and report it. The ordinance also calls for periodic energy audits and requires the City of Atlanta to undertake retro-commissioning efforts in its larger facilities.
Water Efficient Restaurant Certificate (WERC) Program
Community-wide Program (Complete)
A program to help restaurants become more water-efficient. Participants receive a free on-site water use assessment; an assessment report with specific recommendations to improve water efficiency; a copy of the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s Commercial Kitchens Water Use Efficiency and Best Practices Guide; and a free WaterSense pre-rinse spray valve.
This program is managed by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Resilience in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
PACE Financing
Community-wide Program (In-progress)
A $500 million commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program will make funding available to constituents for energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy, and water efficiency improvements.
A joint initiative of Invest Atlanta and City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Resilience. More information to come when financing becomes available.
Sustainable Building Ordinance
Municipal Policy (On-going)
City-owned properties required to obtain LEED Silver certification for new construction and major renovation in properties greater than 5,000 square feet; City-owned properties greater than 25,000 square feet required to obtain LEED Certification for Existing Buildings.
Related news:
Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract
Municipal Project (On-going)
Financing building improvements through a budget-neutral partnership between a partner and owner in which upgrades are financed over a pre-determined period of time through the energy and/or operational cost savings that are realized. The program seeks to maximize energy savings by improving energy, water, and sewage efficiencies in the Department of Watershed Management, the Department of Aviation, the Office of Enterprise Asset Management, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Parks and Recreation properties.
