BTO and DC Sustainable Energy Utility are thrilled to announce the first ever national awarding of 50001 Ready recognition to three multifamily buildings.
October 27, 2023
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BTO Director Mandy Mahoney with representatives from the winning buildings, Everold McNamee from Housing Help Plus and Mark Bryan from Van Ness North Cooperative, at the award ceremony on September 25, 2023.
September 25, 2023 - Anacostia, Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Technologies Office (BTO) and DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) are thrilled to announce the first ever national awarding of 50001 Ready recognition to three multifamily buildings, which included one affordable housing building, one transitional housing building and one cooperative multifamily building. Housing Help Plus (two locations) and Van Ness North Cooperative Inc. (one location) were notified of their awards over the summer, and representatives of these organizations attended a recognition ceremony on September 25 held outside one of Housing Help Plus’ winning locations. Watch the video featuring BTO Director Mandy Mahoney to learn more about why these facilities were recognized.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 50001 Ready program provides a self-paced, no-cost path for organizations to build a culture of structured energy improvements that lead to deeper and more sustained energy savings. The program recognizes facilities and organizations that attest to the implementation of an ISO 50001-based energy management system.
A partnership between the DCSEU, the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), and DOE piloted the 50001 Ready program with multifamily building owners and operators in Washington, DC. These partners participated in a 50001 Ready training cohort delivered by their supporting organization, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), that focused on ways to improve energy performance, streamline operations and improve occupant comfort in their facilities. DOE is also utilizing 50001 Ready to support electrification goals for industrial, commercial and institutional customers.
Following a ceremonial introduction from Ernest Jolly, managing director at DCSEU, Max Finland and Everold McNamee from Housing Help Plus and Mark Bryan from Van Ness North Cooperative shared their experiences with 50001 Ready.
“50001 Ready provided us with a direct path to creating energy management practices and processes where none previously existed,” Max Finland explained. “This was highly impactful from the ground level employees through the C-Suite. We strongly recommend this program from an energy management and internal management perspective.”
Mark Bryan added, “In a time when building certifications are proliferating, the 50001 Ready program brings the experience and credibility of the Department of Energy and implementing partners to bear in the form of a free, comprehensive program with a wide range of implementable processes for all building types. 50001 Ready overcomes a major obstacle for non-profit owners like Van Ness North Co-operative Inc. by providing the resources and certification without cost to building owners.”
At the end of the ceremony, BTO Director Mandy Mahoney presented the awards to the winners, and held informal discussions about continued resources to support 50001 Ready in DC. “No matter how large or small your building is, an energy management system will lead to continual improvements in both cost and comfort, ultimately making your building more competitive in the marketplace,” Mahoney said.
Explore DOE’s 50001 Navigator online tool for step-by-step guidance to help you implement your energy management system.