CA Invited to the White House, Recognized for Achieving Energy Savings Goal
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is recognizing Columbia Association (CA) for achieving its energy savings goal as a partner in the Better Buildings Challenge. CA achieved the ambitious 30% goal due to a commitment to advancing energy efficiency efforts across its building portfolio. As a result, Interim Director of Community Operations Jeremy Scharfenberg joined other inaugural partners at the White House for an invite-only reception.
“Reaching our goal of 30% savings is an incredibly meaningful milestone, and we are thrilled to be recognized as a leader in reducing energy consumption,” said Scharfenberg. “Over the past decade, CA has worked aggressively to advance clean energy practices, and we will continue to find new, innovative ways to move the needle.”
Interim Director of Community Operations Jeremy Scharfenberg was honored to represent CA at the Better Buildings Challenge reception at the White House. Here he is with Director of the Better Buildings Initiative Maria Vargas (left) and DOE Communications Specialist Hannah Debelius (right).
CA is one of the market leaders partnering with DOE to set portfolio-wide energy savings goals and share their efficiency strategies on the Better Buildings Solution Center. To date, Better Buildings partners have saved $18.5 billion in energy costs, resulting in nearly 190 million metric tons of avoided carbon emissions.
CA has prioritized various measures to save energy and improve efficiency across its 490,000-square-foot building portfolio, such as installing LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) sites, and combined heat and power units.
Earlier this year, CA also received national recognition with a 2023 Better Project Award from the DOE. This award specifically recognized CA and its expert sustainability team for converting to advanced heat pump HVAC systems at its largest facility, Supreme Sports Club. Compared to more conventional HVAC units, the heat pump operation of the new equipment is estimated to reduce natural gas consumption by approximately 70%.
“Our Better Buildings Goal Achievers are leaders in their industries — demonstrating that we can reach the nation’s ambitious climate goals if we work together and commit to excellence,” said DOE Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Jeff Marootian. “Congratulations to the 2023 achievers, who are accelerating innovative solutions to use less energy, reduce emissions and save money for American families and businesses. We appreciate their dedication and hope more partners can join us as we build our clean energy future.”
In addition to the Better Buildings Challenge, CA is an inaugural partner in the Better Climate Challenge, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% or more in 10 years without the use of offsets.
About Columbia Association
CA is and has always been here to enhance the quality of life in Columbia. We are committed to the founding goals of this unique and diverse community: stewardship, wellness and inclusion. To achieve this, CA owns and manages a wide array of spaces, facilities and programs that foster authentic connection. We hope you’ll find your own way to engage with us and work toward an even brighter future. Visit columbiaassociation.org for more information. Together, #WeAreColumbia.
About the Better Buildings Challenge
The Better Buildings Challenge is one component of the Better Buildings Initiative, through which DOE partners with more than 900 public and private sector organizations to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings more efficient, thereby saving energy and money while creating jobs. Discover more than 3,000 proven efficiency solutions from these partners in the Better Buildings Solution Center.
