Release: Indianapolis Office of Sustainability to Host Free, Guided Workshops to Teach Large Building Owners to Track Utility Data

These Thriving Buildings "Data Jams" are an opportunity for Indy buildings greater than 100,000 square feet to begin cutting utility costs and carbon emissions
 

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis building owners and facilities managers of structures 100,000 square feet or larger have the opportunity this spring to attend free, guided workshops where they can learn how to begin tracking their utility data in the free ENERGYSTAR Portfolio Manager software program. The three in-person workshops, referred to as "Data Jams" are hosted by the City's Office of Sustainability with technical support provided by the American Institute of Architects Indiana.

Participants should register in advance by using the links provided below. Buildings that participate before June 1, 2023 are eligible for a free energy audit provided by IUPUI's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC).

Data Jam #1
When: Thursday, March 30 | 2 - 4 p.m.
Where: Ball State College of Architecture and Planning Indianapolis | 25 N Pine Street

Data Jam #2
When: Thursday, April 27 | 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Ball State College of Architecture and Planning Indianapolis | 25 N Pine Street

Data Jam #3
When: Wednesday, May 17 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: RATIO Design | 101 S Pennsylvania Street

A year ago, the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability launched Thriving Buildings, a program designed to promote energy efficiency in large buildings throughout Marion County. Two-thirds of Indy's citywide carbon emissions is produced from the energy used to power, heat, and cool buildings. The process of intentionally tracking a building's electric, water, gas, and steam use is referred to as " benchmarking." Campuses and individual buildings that benchmark and take action are proven to experience decreased utility costs as well as decreased carbon emissions.

Thriving Buildings could spur both economic development and climate benefits for Indianapolis business owners, tenants, and community members by 2030, including a 27% reduction in carbon emissions, millions in utility bill savings, millions in public health savings due to improved air quality, and hundreds of new jobs.

Indianapolis follows dozens of cities and states around the country with similar programs and policies in place to help mitigate climate change.