CoreNet calls for more effort reducing emissions.

As pressure to reduce carbon emissions mounts, CoreNet Global, the worldwide professional association for corporate real estate and workplace management, urge its members today to dramatically increase energy efficiency in buildings.

The recommendations come in a new 10-month long study, "The Energy Challenge: A New Agenda for Corporate Real Estate," released at the opening of the CoreNet Global Summit in Denver.

CoreNet Global, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Institute, concluded that global enterprises are not taking advantage of simple, low-cost energy efficiency steps that can yield big dividends in cost savings and increase corporate image.

In the report, CoreNet Global and the Rocky Mountain Institute provide a checklist for corporations and service providers to jumpstart efforts to "go green" in their buildings.

Corporations are urged to: Communicate a vision to freeze current emissions with a timeline to realize 50% energy reduction; Involve suppliers by adding energy and sustainability requirements to all RFP's; Measure progress by establishing systems to measure energy utilization and costs.

Service providers are urged to: Adopt and promote 60% energy reduction by 2010; Track and communicate energy savings, strategies, and investments to clients and peers; Emphasize energy and sustainability benefits in all RFP's; Adopt minimum of LEED Certification or equivalent standard for all new development.

"Our survey found a high level of awareness about the advantages of energy savings in corporate facilities," said Eric Bowles, director of global research for CoreNet Global. "What's most concerning today is how few companies are translating that awareness into broad action."

"The opportunity is for corporate real estate executives to act," said Dr. Prentice Knight, CEO of CoreNet Global. "Adoption of measurable, voluntary reductions in carbon emissions by responsible corporations may one day mean fewer government-imposed mandates requiring them."

"Fifteen years ago, there were multiple barriers to making buildings energy efficient on a large scale," said energy analyst Amory Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute.

"Today, many of those barriers still exist--but more companies are discovering the benefits of breaking through them. The obvious payoffs are reducing energy costs and improving the workplace environment, but there are also dividends in terms of reputation and relationships with the public, policy makers, regulators and employees."