FM:Systems Software Integrates with Energy Star Rating System

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FM:Systems has integrated its FM:Interact facility management software with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star energy performance rating system, Portfolio Manager. The direct integration will enable organizations to determine Energy Star ratings, benchmark building performance and calculate their carbon footprints.

Here's how it works: The FM:Interact integration takes building energy use information stored in the FM:Interact Sustainability Module and sends it directly to the EPA's Portfolio Manager software. Portfolio Manager calculates the building's Energy Star rating and carbon footprint and returns that data to FM:Interact.

Facility managers and real estate professionals can then benchmark their buildings against similar buildings nationwide and identify which buildings in their portfolio rank well and which need improvement, says FM:Systems.

This information can be used by companies interested in reducing their energy costs, carbon footprint and gaining recognition through Energy Star and the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program.

In addition, by adding the EPA Energy Star integration to its software, FM:Systems is helping support the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Energy Challenge. IFMA is encouraging all organizations to work towards reducing their energy use by 15 percent.

"By adding the EPA Energy Star Integration to its software, FM:Systems is helping support IFMA’s mission of helping our members reduce energy use, save money, and improve environmental performance," said Eric Teicholz, chairman of IFMA's sustainability task force, in a statement.

With the FM:Interact Sustainability Module, facility managers and real estate professionals can manage critical information on energy performance, building certifications and sustainability projects such as energy retrofits.

The Sustainability Module enables users to:

--Analyze building environmental impacts including energy, water, greenhouse gas emissions, recycling, and waste

--Forecast sustainability projects' financial impacts (net present value, internal rate of return, ROI, payback period) and environmental impacts

--Integrate with EPA's Automated Benchmarking System

--Manage building assessments and certifications using rating systems such as LEED, Green Globes, or BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)

--Engage occupants and management with enterprise access to sustainability information and dashboards

Environment + Energy Leader