Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge

The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (ABBC) is a voluntary program for commercial buildings in Metro Atlanta in which building owners pledge to reduce energy and water consumption by 20% by 2020 (2009 baseline). The ABBC met this goal with a 20.3% energy reduction two years ahead of schedule.

A joint initiative of the City of Atlanta, Southface, Central Atlanta Progress, Midtown Alliance, and Livable Buckhead

More info available at www.atlantabbc.com

Solarize Atlanta

Solarize Atlanta is a community-based solar energy group purchasing campaign that makes solar more affordable and accessible for the residents of Atlanta. Solarize campaigns harness the power of the crowd to save some major green while residences and businesses go green.

A joint initiative of Solar CrowdSource, Environment Georgia, GIPL, Center Atlanta Progress, City of Atlanta, Sierra Club, USGBC Georgia, Livable Buckhead, and Southface.

More info available at www.solarcrowdsource.com/campaign/atlanta-ga/

Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance

An ordinance passed unanimously by Atlanta City Council in 2015 that requires commercial and multifamily buildings in Atlanta over 25,000 square feet to benchmark energy and water consumption and report it. The ordinance also calls for periodic energy audits and requires the City of Atlanta to undertake retro-commissioning efforts in its larger facilities.

Click the image below to view data on Atlanta’s benchmarked properties!

More info available at www.atlantabuildingefficiency.com

Solar Atlanta

In October of 2017, the City awarded a contract for the installation of solar panels on City-owned properties, making it the largest municipal program in Georgia. The facilities included in the program have been selected after extensive vetting for solar potential, financial feasibility, and structural integrity. There are 24 project sites comprising mostly of recreation centers and fire stations and represent up to 1.25MW of solar power.

Sustainable Building Ordinance

City-owned properties required to obtain LEED Silver certification for new construction and major renovation in properties greater than 5,000 square feet; City-owned properties greater than 25,000 square feet required to obtain LEED Certification for Existing Buildings.

MLK Recreation & Aquatic Center receives LEED Gold Designation 

PACE Financing

A $500 million commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program will make funding available to constituents for energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy, and water efficiency improvements.

A joint initiative of Invest Atlanta and City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Resilience. More info to come.

Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract

Financing building improvements through a budget-neutral partnership between a partner and owner in which upgrades are financed over a pre-determined period of time through the energy and/or operational cost savings that are realized.

Residential Toilet Rebate Program

An incentive program in which single-family homeowners receive water bill credits of $100 per toilet (maximum 2 toilets per residence) when they replace old, water-wasting toilets with WaterSense 1.28 gallon-per-flush models.

A partnership between Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management and the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.

More info available at http://northgeorgiawater.org/conserve-our-water/toilet-rebate-program/single-family-residential-toilet-rebate-program/

Multifamily Toilet Rebate Program

An incentive program in which owners of multi-family residential properties (from duplexes to high-rises, including condo communities) receive water bill credits of $100 per toilet (no limit per property) when they replace old, water-wasting toilets with WaterSense 1.28 gallon-per-flush models.

This program is managed by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management.

For more information, contact mmagill@atlantaga.gov


Diverted Water Program

An incentive program to assist commercial customers with cooling towers and/or those whose manufacturing process involves consumptive water usage. Participants agree to submeter the water entering and exiting their buildings and to provide monthly reports to the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. After one year of reporting, participants receive a credit on their water bills reflecting the amount of water not returned to the City’s sewer system.

This program is managed by the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management.

For more information, contact kfrancis@atlantaga.gov

Water Efficient Restaurant Certificate (WERC) Program

A program to help restaurants become more water efficient. Participants receive a free on-site water use assessment; an assessment report with specific recommendations to improve water efficiency; a copy of the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s Commercial Kitchens Water Use Efficiency and Best Practices Guide; and a free WaterSense pre-rinse spray valve.

This program is managed by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Resilience in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.