CA Recognized as National and Regional Leader in Sustainability During Earth Month
COLUMBIA, MD. – Columbia Association (CA) is proud to be recognized for sustainable leadership on both a national and regional level.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) honored CA with a Goal Achiever award for hitting its 30% energy savings goal as a partner in the Better Buildings Challenge. This significant reduction was achieved due to innovative energy efficiency efforts across CA’s 500,000-square-foot building portfolio.
“We are excited to not just achieve our energy savings goal as an organization, but to surpass it and reach 32%,” said CA Vice President of Community Operations Jeremy Scharfenberg. “When we joined the Better Buildings Challenge in 2015, our goal was a 20% reduction in energy use intensity in 10 years. We reached that milestone in 2018, then set 30% as our stretch goal and it’s been an incredibly rewarding mission. Our sustainability team looks forward to continuing to move the needle on CA’s energy efficiency efforts.”
The Better Buildings Challenge is one component of the Better Buildings Initiative, through which DOE partners with more than 900 organizations to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings more efficient. As a proud partner, CA has worked to advance clean energy practices across its facilities, such as installing LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) sites and combined heat and power units.
In addition to receiving an award at the Better Buildings Summit, CA Vice President of Community Operations Jeremy Scharfenberg also presented as part of a panel. He shared the innovative strategies CA has embraced to electrify water heating.
CA also earned a Green Community Leadership Award from Howard County’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services. This award was presented at GreenFest, an annual Earth Month event that was held at Howard Community College on April 13.
CA’s sustainability team was thrilled to be honored at Greenfest. From left to right: Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, CA Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Project Manager Phil Mertens, CA Environmental Program Manager Natalie Yee, CA Vice President of Community Operations Jeremy Scharfenberg and Howard Community College President Dr. Daria Willis.
The Green Community Leadership Award recognizes groups and organizations that demonstrate efforts, projects or programs that help protect Howard County’s natural environment and preserve its resources. CA was recognized for our efforts to reduce energy consumption, advance clean energy and provide resources to residents to encourage sustainability.
“We are proud to be considered a leader in environmental stewardship and to leverage this position to promote sustainability in the community,” said CA Environmental Program Manager Natalie Yee. “CA is excited to continue to engage with the community and partner with other local organizations to tackle the effects of climate change.”
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 Initiative
Better Buildings is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) designed to improve the lives of the American people by driving leadership in energy innovation. Through Better Buildings, DOE partners with leaders in the public and private sectors to make the nation’s homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants more energy-efficient by accelerating investment and sharing successful best practices. Visit www.betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/ for more info.
About the Howard County Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services
The Howard County Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Enviromental Services advances environmental responsibility through responsive solutions and service. Employees operate the County landfill, implement and manage recycling programs, oversee residential curbside collections and administer stormwater management. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/public-works/bureau-environmental-services for more information.
