The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (Atlanta BBC) will recognize The University Financing Foundation (TUFF) and Georgia Tech for reaching a milestone achievement in sustainability. The Technology Square Research Building (“TSRB”) owned by TUFF and leased to Georgia Tech; TSRB has sustained a 27% savings in energy consumption.
Atlanta BBC participants work to realize a 20 percent reduction in energy and water consumption in commercial properties by or before 2020. TUFF is among the first Atlanta BBC participants to achieve this goal within less than two years of the program’s launch.
Atlanta, along with Seattle and Los Angeles, were the first cities selected by President Obama in 2011 to participate in this U.S. Department of Energy-backed sustainability program that has since expanded throughout the country. Originating in Downtown, the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge has grown to include participation throughout the city, including the Midtown and Buckhead communities. Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) works in partnership with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to manage the Atlanta BBC.
To date, the Atlanta BBC boasts more than 90 participants, representing more than 70 million square feet of commercial and institutional space working to implement sustainability improvements.
“We commend and congratulate TUFF for taking this important step to improve Atlanta’s energy and water efficiency,” said Shelby Buso, Director of Sustainability at Central Atlanta Progress.
“The City of Atlanta applauds TUFF in its efforts to make our city a more sustainable place to live and conduct business,” said Denise Quarles, Director, City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “Their hard work is just the beginning, and we are glad that they paved the way for other Atlanta BBC participants.”
TUFF will be formally recognized in a ceremony to be held December 2nd at The Center for Civil and Human Rights.