Seven-Point Challenge energy efficient

These energy efficient goals include decreasing energy consumption by 30% across portfolios by 2012; employing Energy Star metrics to benchmark energy performance and water usage; providing education to engineers, owners and operators; performing energy audits; and improving operations and building maintenance systems.

AOBA is embracing several new green initiatives, including establishing an Energy Managers Roundtable, undertaking a comprehensive case study on energy efficiency in a multifamily residential building and hosting a "greening existing buildings" conference on Sept 25, 2008. Mary Lynch, AOBA newly appointed president for the year and VP of Akridge, tells GlobeSt.com that the Seven-Point Challenge will be the key green initiative out of all its endeavors. "Obviously we are focused on Energy Star and LEED, but the Seven-Point Challenge is a great way to ensure success in energy savings measures," she says.

The Energy Managers Roundtable--one of its other green advocacy measures--had its first meeting on April 9. Consisting of some 40 executives responsible for energy management and conservation in local office and apartment buildings, it plans to meet quarterly. Bill Clark, director of Operations for Blake Real Estate, and Eric Freitag, director of Maintenance for Scott Management, are serving as co-chairs.