Efficiency upgrades and operational changes by property owners result in utility cost savings and 37.5% reduction in carbon emissions in 2024
The Erie 2030 District, a project of Green Building Alliance (GBA), today released the 2024 Erie 2030 District Progress Report, revealing that District property partners achieved an 18.9% reduction in energy use, saved $4.5 million in energy utility costs, and reduced carbon emissions by 37.5% in 2024.
The Erie 2030 District will continue to pursue the goal of achieving a 50-65% reduction in energy reductions and carbon emissions by the year 2030, and zero carbon* emissions by 2040.
Read the full report here: GBA-2030-ErieReport-2025-Digital-Pages.pdf
Formed in 2019, the Erie 2030 District comprises 172 buildings occupying more than 9.3 million square feet. Properties include office towers, hospitals, hotels, multifamily residential buildings, universities, museums, municipal offices and facilities, and K-12 schools.
Through the 2030 District model, GBA helps property partners identify and prioritize critical investments in their buildings and operations systems that will enable them to become more efficient. Partners receive a confidential annual building performance report that analyzes their progress toward energy reductions – setting the path for data-driven investments, resilient buildings, and cost savings. GBA also provides context and personalized recommendations for building and systems upgrades, and property partners have access to specialized training courses led by GBA staff, including GBA’s new Energy Efficiency 101 and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager training.
In addition to collective data results, the Progress Report highlights the work of Gannon University, which after working on analysis of energy use with GBA, implanted an energy savings plan that included consolidating summer classes into two buildings. Because unoccupied spaces do not require the same level of conditioning, Gannon raised the temperature setpoint in those buildings, realizing substantial savings from reduced cooling and lighting demand, and lower hot water loads.
“As a Catholic university, Gannon is deeply invested in the values of Laudato Si’ and our responsibility to care for creation. Our participation in the 2030 District reflects this commitment to building a more sustainable campus and protecting our common home. By centralizing summer classes and adjusting building temperatures, we not only reduced utility use and saved nearly $93,000 but also created more consistent operations that streamline maintenance and cut costs. These efforts show how faith-inspired commitments can translate into tangible action for our community and for the Earth.” – Gannon University
Erie 2030 District – 2024 Progress Report Stats at a Glance
18.9% energy reduction
$4.5 million in energy savings
37.5% carbon emissions reduction (including Renewable Energy Credits)
32,900 metric tons of CO2e emissions avoided
“We are proud to see Erie leaders continually punching above their weight in sustainably managing their buildings for the benefit of the community,” said GBA Senior Director of Energy and Communities Ashley DiGregorio. “Making smart decisions in the way we steward the region’s properties, while also transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources, is a proven way to realize individual savings to property owners and make Erie a livable community,”.
Action steps for improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact include:
Changing lights to LEDs
Installing occupancy/vacancy sensors in building spaces to reduce electricity use
Managing plug or process loads [energy usage in a building not related to HVAC, lighting, or water heating] through building controls, occupant policies, smart power strips and outlets
Adding insulation to walls and roofs; sealing air leaks around windows and doors; adding gaskets to outlets; sealing leaks in ductwork; replacing single pane windows
Producing or purchasing renewable, carbon-free energy by installing solar panels, buying renewable energy credits (RECs), or entering into renewable energy-related Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Addressing refrigerant leaks in HVAC systems and ensuring proper disposal
Replacing furnaces and boilers that run on natural gas with more efficient air- or ground-source heat pumps
Adding aerators to faucets; changing to automatic or push button metered fixtures; replacing toilets or flushometers with low-flow alternatives
Adding a rain barrel and using captured rainwater to irrigate plants; using native plantings that need less water
Reusing building materials and designing for deconstruction
Selecting building materials with low embodied carbon and that are locally produced
Advocating for policy change that enhances building energy codes + performance standards
Erie property owners interested in joining or learning more about the Erie 2030 District: reach out to GBA at info@gba.org.