Economists and energy analysts agree--the U.S. economy is likely wasting at least 50 percent of the energy purchased, delivered, and consumed across the country. U.S. commercial buildings consume nearly 40 percent of all energy produced and 70 percent of all electricity generated. They are also responsible for nearly 50 percent of green house gas emissions.

In response, Green Property Funds developed a new energy and water benchmarking service for commercial properties that can help investors and owners cut these costs. The green real estate investment and consulting firm’s service calculates buildings’ carbon emissions, performs ASHRAE Level 1 energy audits, and provides thermal imaging inspections and analyses. It also allows benchmarked properties that perform in the top 25 percent range of similar buildings in their area promote their performance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s STAR recognition program.

Additionally, the firm is teaming up with commercial property portfolio owners in Denver, Houston, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and Tulsa, Okla. to demonstrate the environmental and financial benefits of green building retrofits.