The City of Roanoke, VA was recently recognized by the Department of Energy for its efforts as part of the Better Buildings Challenge. The Better Buildings Challenge seeks to lead cities, businesses, universities, states, and school districts in improving the energy efficiency of their buildings by at least 20% over the course of a 10-year period.
Roanoke achieved a 23% increase in efficiency overall for their portfolio of 25 buildings, totaling 1.16 million square feet, and was able to accomplish the goal 3 years ahead of schedule. The city prioritized mechanical and lighting improvements, with a focus on lighting retrofits as well as HVAC and mechanical system replacements. One building in particular- The Berglund Center- improved its efficiency by 30%.
On the city’s successes, City Manager Bob Cowell said, “Roanoke continues to be a leader in energy efficiency, saving the citizens more than $3 million over the course of the Better Buildings Challenge. We are proud of the city’s staff and the Berglund Center on a job well done!”
In addition to receiving recognition for its efforts to improve energy efficiency as part of the Better Buildings Challenge, Roanoke also received a ‘SolSmart Bronze’ Award for Advancing Solar Energy Growth.
Roanoke received this bronze designation for:
- Eliminating excess inspections and consolidated inspection trips for solar PV
- Providing local incentives (i.e. permit fee waivers, rebates, or property tax exemptions) or locally-enabled finance (i.e. a revolving loan fund) for solar.
SolSmart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative and works to make it faster, cheaper and easier to go solar. The SolSmart designation program recognizes communities that have taken steps to make it easier for businesses and residents to go solar. Communities pursuing SolSmart designation are eligible for no-cost technical assistance from a team of national solar experts. Learn more.
