Join the Department of Energy Better Climate Challenge

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a new voluntary partnership program that is challenging leading organizations across all sectors of the U.S. economy to set ambitious, portfolio-wide, and near-term goals for reducing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Through the Better Climate Challenge, DOE is seeking organizations—including retail, food service, and grocery companies of all sizes—that will commit to reducing their scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by at least 50% within 10 years and are willing to work with DOE to share their decarbonization solutions with the market. 
 

To support partners in the Better Climate Challenge, DOE will provide free technical assistance from agency and national lab staff, offer peer-to-peer learning opportunities and targeted resources, and will give national recognition to leaders in the program. DOE will officially announce the inaugural cohort of partners in the Better Climate Challenge in a virtual launch event on February 28th, which will feature White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. 

This new program from DOE builds on over a decade of the successes of partners participating in the Better Buildings Initiative, including 60+ retail partners that have prioritized energy efficiency throughout their involvement in DOE’s Better Buildings Challenge and Better Buildings Alliance. 

One such Better Buildings Initiative partner and RILA member, Kohl’s, has already stepped up as the first retail partner in the Better Climate Challenge. By joining the new program, Kohl’s committed to reduce its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2025 while continuing to pursue a goal of 30% improvement in energy use intensity across its building portfolio. The company will work to achieve its goals by increasing renewable energy use, implementing lighting and HVAC upgrades, and following ENERGY STAR® and LEED® certified building guidelines. 

Bri Colon from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies office will serve as the program lead for retail, food service, and grocery partners in the Better Climate Challenge. Retailers interested in discussing the program in more detail can contact Bri Colon directly at briana.colon@ee.doe.gov to schedule an informational call. To learn more about DOE’s Better Climate Challenge, please see the program Factsheet, FAQ Document, and Partnership Agreement.