Department of Energy Recognizes Better Buildings Challenge Partner Morehouse College for Leadership in Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized Better Buildings Challenge partner Morehouse College for its achievements and leadership in energy efficiency. The Atlanta-based college, which operates more than 1.6 million square feet of building space across its 60-acre campus, has reduced its energy intensity by more than 30% since 2023, achieving its Better Buildings Challenge goal and accelerating progress towards its internal net-zero targets.

“Working with HBCUs is central to our efforts to increase equity in our energy systems and foster better solutions,” said Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “Morehouse College’s leadership in efficiency improvements is saving energy and money, while inspiring the next generation to champion energy equity.”

As the only private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse serves more than 2,200 students. Today, Morehouse hosted DOE officials on a tour of its campus to showcase its comprehensive approach to energy efficiency. 

To achieve these remarkable energy savings, Morehouse implemented campus-wide LED lighting upgrades, completed HVAC controls upgrades in 11 buildings, installed efficient water fixtures, and more. The school is also deploying fault detection and analytics software campus-wide, in addition to installing electric and water submeters. Morehouse also conducts periodic energy audits and has undertaken building retro-commissioning to further increase efficiency.

This work is part of the college’s broader mission to reach its internal net-zero target while ensuring its students and the local community benefit from equitable and ethical energy management.

The Better Buildings Challenge is a component of the Better Buildings Initiative, through which DOE partners with public and private sector organizations to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings more efficient, thereby saving energy and money while reducing emissions and strengthening the economy. To date, more than 900 Better Buildings partners have saved more than $15 billion in energy costs while sharing their innovative strategies. Discover more than 3,000 of these solutions in the Better Buildings Solution Center.