In achieving the goal of a minimum 10% reduction in energy use, the Energy Star Challenge urges businesses to take three vital steps: determine the amount of energy buildings are using; set efficiency improvement goals; and follow through with designated improvements. "I think you all know that the buildings in which we work, shop, and educate our children use about $80 billion worth of electricity and natural gas per year," luncheon speaker Dr. Jeffrey R. Holmstead, EPA assistant administrator for Air & Radiation, told attendees. "And what you may not know is that the amount of energy creates about 20% of the total greenhouse gasses emitted by the US, and is expected to grow."

Holmstead pointed out that if we can reduce energy use by 10% by 2015, Americans would save about $10 billion per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are equivalent to the emissions of 15 million vehicles. "We believe that now is the time that together we can capture these savings and make these buildings part of the energy efficiency solution."

Attending the gathering were representatives from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Building Owners & Managers Association International, the Council of Educational Facility Planners, the Real Estate Roundtable, as well as the US Government.