"TCC believes it is in the best interest of our clients to adopt an energy-efficiency strategy that enhances the value and competitiveness of properties we manage," company principal Mike Nalley notes in a press release. He tells GlobeSt.com, "we're really excited about it."

EPA estimates show utilities account for about one-third of a structures operating expenses. The organization concludes that a 30% savings in such expenses could lead to a 6% increase in net operating income at a competitive internal rate of return for a property.

The partnership "is an opportunity to benchmark all of our office buildings in a consistent format," Nalley tells GlobeSt.com. "Our job is to save our owners money and operate in the most efficient way we can, and this is a great tool in that direction."