Facilities across the nation have been able to shave on average about 2.5% of their annual utility costs through efficiency initiatives spurred by the federal Better Buildings Initiative, according to the Department of Energy’s Maria Vargas. The savings adds up to tens of millions of dollars each year for participating organizations, she says.A Staples warehouse in Coppell, Texas, has far exceeded the average after spending $84,000 for equipment such as LED lights, motion sensors and high-velocity aluminum fans. “We've reduced the usage by 26% and our costs by 32%, 1.2 million kilowatt hours just in this facility, alone,” said Bob Valair of Staples.
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