EPA launches 2015 Energy Star Battle of Buildings to reduce consumption

Supporting President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday kicked off the 2015 Energy Star Battle of the Buildings, which pits more than 6,500 buildings and 125 teams against each other in an effort to reduce energy and water consumption.

Commercial buildings -- and groups of five or more buildings, under the Team Challenge – including supermarkets, retail outlets, schools and government facilities, will be taking part. Individual building entries include presidential libraries and Major League Baseball stadiums, while the Team Challenge features groups of schools, animal shelters and offices, among others.

“I'm excited to announce the start of the 2015 Battle of the Buildings competition, and although we will only announce one first-place team, all of our competitors are winners because they will save money on their utility bills, increase efficiency and help protect our planet for generations to come,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said. “Year after year, competitors from across the country -- from fire stations and schools to local ballparks -- show us the power of collaboration, creativity and competition to save energy and water."

Competitors track their consumption using the EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool, and the individual and team entrants with the largest percentage drop in consumption at the end of 12 months win.