Large Commercial Building Owner / Manager Resources

Welcome to Your Energy Efficiency Journey! Whether you manage one facility or a portfolio of buildings, reducing energy use can lower your operating budget, attract tenants, and enhance your property’s value. Below, we’ve outlined the basic steps and specialized resources to guide you.

Have you checked out our practical guidebook? This resource provides step-by-step instructions to enhance your building’s efficiency.

Ford Field
Detroit, Michigan
Step 1

Draw a Line in the Sand with an Energy Benchmark

What is Energy Benchmarking?

Energy benchmarking provides a snapshot of your building’s energy performance compared to similar properties. This is a critical step for managing and forecasting your energy and carbon footprint. Learn more about the benefits and tools available to help track your energy usage.

EnergyStar Energy Benchmarking Overview
EnergyStar Portfolio Manager Tutorial
Automated Energy Benchmarking Service
Step 2

Access Free Energy Assessments​

The organizations listed below offer no cost assessments for buildings located in Michigan. These assessments offer a broad evaluation of energy resources and strategies.

Step 3

Conduct an Energy Audit

An energy audit examines energy consumption within a building to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for energy savings. An audit should include on site inspections, measurements, and data collection. A comprehensive report will include recommended energy conservation measures, estimated costs and savings.

Below are resources on energy audits and assessments:

Step 5

Explore Financing Opportunities

There can be a cost of waiting on some energy efficiency projects. This means that the energy you could be saving now is greater than the loan repayment. Some loans are structured to have a positive cash flow in the first month after the equipment is installed. Below are several options to consider:

Step 6

Participate in Competitions, Share your Story, Get Recognized

Join the Michigan Battle of the Buildings

The Michigan Battle of the Buildings is an awards and recognition program for energy use reduction open to all Michigan area commercial, industrial & multi-family buildings. The program is a way to encourage energy-efficient practices in buildings across the state and to instill a spirit of friendly competition among the area’s building owners and operators. There is no cost to enter the competition.

"Michigan Battle of the Buildings gives us confirmation that what we are doing is working and now we are sharing what we are doing with other companies."

— Dave Heinz, Odawa Casino

Step 7

Engage with the Michigan 2030 Districts

Become a member of one or all of the Michigan 2030 Districts. Join a network committed to improving energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in commercial buildings.

Step 8

Repeat the Process

Energy efficiency is a continuous process. It involves ongoing efforts to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and improve systems over time. Accessing your building’s energy use at regular intervals will identify trends and inefficiencies. In addition, technology is evolving and emerging with new solutions and practices that may change prior circumstances and require adjustments in planning.

Green Building Resources

Find the knowledge you need to advance your green building journey.

Dive into a comprehensive collection of resources designed to help you lead in sustainable building practices. Whether you’re looking for the latest research, certifications, or building guides, our library has everything you need to stay informed and make impactful decisions.