The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Environmental Protecion Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR program have partnered to bring counties across the country the ENEGY STAR Challenge.

The ENERGY STAR Challenge encourgaes Americans to improve their energy efficiency by 10% or more. Counties play a vital dual role in the Challenge- they lead by example by improving their own buildings, by participating in efforts such as the NACo ENERGY STAR Courthouse Campaign, and they leverage their reltionships with private sector organization to motivate them to make energy efficiency improvements.

Counties joining the ENERGY STAR Challenge have access to a wide variety of ENERGY STAR tools and resources to assist in their efforts to reduce the energy use of all buildings. Resources are already available to help counties learn how they can save energy in their own buildings. A comprehensive ENERGY STAR Challenge "Toolkit" is now available to help counties promote energy efficiency to their broader community. The toolkit is available at: www.energystar.gov/challenge

Anyone who is interested can take the ENERGY STAR Challenge, whether an individual or an organization.  When it was initially launched, the ENERGY STAR Challenge was designed for state and local governments as well as associations that could reach out to their members and encourage energy efficiency improvements.  We are happy now to expand the ENERGY STAR Challenge to anyone who would like to get involved - whether you're associated with a small school or a large corporation, a local government or a manufacturing plant -- we can all play a part in the energy efficiency solution!

Is 10% a mandatory goal for anyone who takes the ENERGY STAR Challenge?

The 10% improvement is a national goal, not a requirement, for taking the ENERGY STAR Challenge (similar to changing 5 lights is a similar goal for the ENERGY STAR Change A Light Campaign).  What is important is that we all do our part to help improve the energy efficiency of America's commercial and industrial buildings.  In some situations, small improvements will be all that is possible yet they are still valued and recognized as contributions to the 10% goal of the ENERGY STAR Challenge. In other cases, larger improvements - even those beyond 10% - are possible and encouraged.  Together, we can help build a better world.

What do I do if I agree to take the ENERGY STAR Challenge?

Challenge participants and their members are encouraged to:

 - measure and track energy use

- develop a plan for energy improvements

- make energy efficiency upgrades

- help spread the energy efficiency word to others

- join ENERGY STAR as a partner if possible

What tools do you have to help me?

Visit www.energystar.gov/challenge for access to a complete Toolkit of easy to use resources, including quick tips, fast facts, press releases, posters, and more.  In addition, ENERGY STAR offers a free, state-of-the-art software tool to help you track and measure your energy use as well as guidelines, on-line training, expert advice, and more.  Learn more at  www.energystar.gov/buildings.

How do I sign up?

To express your support visit www.energystar.gov/challenge for our easy-to-use electronic sign up form.

How does this relate to being an ENERGY STAR partner?

Signing up to take the Challenge is a first step.  To move beyond we encourage top level executives to commit to continuous improvement by becoming a partner.

To learn more about the State of Michigan's efforts with local governments and the Rebuild MI Program contact Tom Krupiarz at krupiarzt@michigan.gov.