Several Emory University buildings have been recognized as the top performers of 2014 as part of The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge. Emory has more than 6.5 million square feet of Emory University and Healthcare buildings participating in the ABBC, which now makes Emory the largest ABBC participant. 

Emory University Hospital Midtown's Summit Parking Deck and T3 Labs received top performer recognition for energy conservation. Top performers represent participants whose efforts produced the highest levels of energy and water savings in 2014.

Recognizing the need to improve energy efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy established the Better Building Challenge in 2011. Led locally by the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Sustainability in partnership with Central Atlanta Progress, Midtown Alliance and Livable Buckhead, the Atlanta BBC is working towards a goal to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 20 percent in participating buildings across Atlanta by 2020. 

"As we enter the fourth year of the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge, I am proud of the collective contributions that our participants have made to Atlanta's economy and environmental footprint. The Atlanta BBC top performers have surpassed program expectations and continue to do so in a winning fashion. With this continued progress, I have no doubt that Atlanta's portfolio of buildings will exceed the 2020 goals for both energy and water," said Mayor Kasim Reed.

Thanks to the ABBC, energy reductions at Emory University Hospital Midtown and its T3 Labs facility in 2013 have resulted in approximately $365,000 and $186,000 in yearly savings, respectively.

"Emory's participation in the ABBC is energizing for our community and give us new incentives and energy and water reduction goals beyond the 2015 goals which we have already met," says Ciannat Howett, Emory's Director of Sustainability Initiatives.

"Improved energy and water efficiency has a huge impact on our yearly expenditures. Not only are we motivated to reduce our carbon and ecological footprint, but we also want to use our financial resources wisely," says Howett. "The more money we save on utility bills, the more we can divert into teaching research, community outreach and other investments that advance our mission."