BetterBricks
BetterBricks is the commercial building initiative of the non-profit Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance based out of Portland Oregon and is supported by regional electric utilities in northwestern states such as Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington. Some utility companies served by BetterBricks include Idaho Power, BPA, Puget Sound Energy, Tacoma Power, Northwestern Energy as well as other smaller local utility companies. BetterBricks advocates for changes to energy-related business practices in Northwest buildings. They provide professionals with the information, tools, training and consultations needed to develop, design, construct and operate buildings that are better for business, people and the environment.
BetterBricks Awards
The BetterBricks Awards ceremony began in 2003. It gives special recognition to individuals or companies who have helped create buildings that use sustainable materials, save energy, reduce operation and maintenance costs, incorporate daylighting with electrical lighting, consider climate when designing ventilation, heating and cooling systems, which in turn helps enhance the productivity of the building's occupants. The awards are based on six major categories:
- Owner/decision-maker
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Facility management/building operations
- Advocate
- Emerging leader