BOMA's 7-Point Challenge Gains Momentum

The 7-Point Challenge, an innovative energy-reduction plan aimed at achieving market transformation in the commercial real estate industry from Washington, D.C.-based Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Intl., is gaining momentum as the leading companies and BOMA local associations around the country sign on to endorse the challenge.

BOMA Intl. introduced its Market Transformation Energy Plan, which includes the 7-Point Challenge, to its members in July 2007 as an aggressive (but realistic) strategy to reduce the use of natural resources, nonrenewable energy sources, and waste production in commercial buildings. The goals of the plan include decreasing energy consumption by 30 percent across portfolios by 2012, benchmarking energy performance and water usage through the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® benchmarking tool, and providing education to building owners and operators, and others involved in building operations, to ensure that equipment is properly operated and maintained.

"Commercial real estate professionals understand that, in addition to the tremendous financial value created by adopting and executing on the goals of the 7 Point Challenge, implementing green management practices also results in a positive return for building occupants and for the environment," says BOMA Intl. Chairman and CEO Brenna S. Walraven.

Through the 7-Point Challenge, BOMA is working with real estate professionals and government officials at all levels, as well as myriad public and private groups, to achieve market transformation. Real estate companies and organizations are using the 7-Point Challenge as both a call to action and a template for developing sustainability programs and improving energy performance.

Companies endorsing the challenge include Carr Services, CB Richard Ellis, Colonial Properties Trust, Cousins Properties, Cushman & Wakefield, Glenborough, Hines, LBA Realty, Opus, Parmenter Realty Group, PM Realty Group, Stream Realty Partners, Transwestern, and USAA Real Estate Co. The EPA's ENERGY STAR program has also given the challenge its endorsement.

For more information on the 7-Point Challenge, visit (www.boma.org/7pointchallenge).