Can offices outside of Houston’s Downtown participate in the Challenge?
Yes! We recognize that one of Houston’s greatest strengths is the diversity of office space. That’s why we’ve teamed with Management Districts throughout the City for the Challenge. Downtown, Uptown, Upper Kirby and Greenway Plaza, Greenspoint, Westchase and the Energy Corridor are all participating. The only requirement for office buildings is that you are within Houston’s city limits.
What is the cost of participating in the Green Office Challenge?
There is no cost for participating in the Challenge, but there is the opportunity for savings!
What is the time frame of the Challenge?
The Challenge is a 12 month program.
What will my company receive by participating in the Challenge?
Great publicity! At the end of the Challenge, Mayor Parker and the City of Houston will host an awards ceremony during which participants will receive awards and recognition for their achievements.
Can I view the scorecard if I’m not a registered participant?
No, the Tenant Scorecard is available only to registered participants at this time. Please feel free to browse the "Office Tenants" tab to view the same strategies that are listed on the Tenant Scorecard. However, if you are a local government representative, please contact your local ICLEI representative for Green Office Challenge resources. To identify which ICLEI staff to contact by region, please visit ICLEI's website.
Is the Challenge only for new buildings?
The Challenge is for any tenant or property manager located within the Houston’s city limits, regardless of a building's age.
Is there a separate Challenge for tenants and property managers?
No, there is only one Challenge. However, the tools tenants and property managers use to measure their reductions in waste, water, and energy use differ; tenants use the Tenant Scorecard, while property managers use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and other tools created by the Green Office Challenge Team.
I am the owner/manager of my building and also a tenant in it. How do I register?
The Challenge is designed to work best when owners/managers and tenants work together. If you are both, then you have a leg up! Register your building twice, once as an owner/manager and once as a tenant.
I’ve already done a lot of work to green my building. Will I be recognized for work that’s been done already?
If you are an owner/manager of a building that has already been Energy Star certified within the last 3 years, you will have already met the Challenges base goal for energy use reduction. With a score of 85 or higher, you will have met the stretch goal.
Do I use the Portfolio Manager to track my waste, water and energy use?
As a property manager, you'll use Portfolio Manager to track your water and energy and a separate tool to track waste. Tenants will use the Tenant Scorecard as the primary tool to guide their reductions in waste, water and energy use.
Can participating tenants earn points by recruiting tenants from a building other than their own?
Yes, tenants can earn multiple points by recruiting other tenants within the Central Business District. To receive recruitment points, please ask the referral to write your company's name into the "How did you hear about the Challenge" section of the registration form.
If my company is eligible, why should we participate?
If your company is just beginning to explore "Going Green," the Challenge offers many strategies and assistance to help you get started. If your company has been committed to "Going Green" for awhile, there may be strategies you already have in place and you may learn a few new ideas. Those who participate will be recognized by Mayor Parker and the City of Houston for their efforts. By reducing waste, water and energy use within your office, your company will also be assisting Houston in reducing its green house gas emissions.
How do I become a sponsor of the Houston Green Office Challenge?
If you're interested in learning about our available sponsorship opportunities, please Contact Us.
