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CaGBC urges building owners to “Green Up”

According to the CaGBC, the Green Up program was developed to help owners and managers improve and better manage the performance of their buildings – primarily by serving as a “benchmark of energy use, goal-set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help identify ways to improve the operational performance of projects across building portfolios”.

In its official statement on the release of the program, the CaGBC said it is “responding to a clear industry need for a performance-based approach to energy and environmental improvements”.

“Energy costs make up a significant percentage of overall operating expenses and should be a major concern for any building owner. Measuring and benchmarking energy use is a first step in improving current practices,” said Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of CaGBC.

Included in the Green Up program:

• data visualization tools for users to consolidate, analyze, and benchmark building performance against other Energy Star buildings;
• identify when and where energy and money are spent; and
• interactive dashboard views organized by building types and sub-types.

“By giving those involved in managing buildings this comprehensive and accessible tool we are helping them identify where they can improve building performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” continued Mueller.

The Green Up program conducted a pilot project in 2008, which initially tracked the energy use of commercial office buildings, administrative buildings, and K-12 schools.

Those interested in the Green Up program can contact the CaGBC at 1-866-941-1184 or email greenup@cagbc.org.