The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released the Energy Data Management Guide, which provides public-sector organizations with a seven-step approach to establish a “robust and sustainable” energy data management program.

The guide features proven practices from more than 30 Better Buildings Challenge partners that can be replicated. The partners and organizations featured represent a variety of sizes, staff, financial resources, and geographic areas. The examples include:

· Aurora, Colo., Public Schools improved energy performance by 14% from 2014 to 2019, avoiding over $1 million in utility costs from 2014 to 2017 through retrofits, improving scheduling, and monitoring after-hours energy consumption.

· Houston, Texas reduced energy consumption by 15% from 2008 to 2019 by installing more efficient mechanical equipment and implementing lighting retrofits. It recovered $215,000 from inaccurate utility tariff rates by working with a consultant to audit historical consumption information.

· Maryland achieved a 25% cumulative energy reduction from 2008 to 2019 through measures such as lighting retrofits, facility management controls, and mechanical system improvements. It saved $5.65 million in 2019 by implementing a block and index electricity purchasing strategy.