The mayors from 10 major U.S. cities have announced a joint effort to significantly improve energy efficiency in metro buildings, which could reduce climate change pollution by the equivalent of 1 million to 1.5 million passenger vehicles every year, and lower energy bills by nearly $1 billion annually. 

Buildings are the largest single source of U.S. carbon emissions, representing 40 percent nationwide — more than the transportation or industrial sectors. In some cities, that number climbs to 75 percent. 


The City Energy Project, or CEP, hopes to change that. 

The City Energy Project is an initiative from the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Institute for Market Transformation. Funded through a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Kresge Foundation, the project will provide resources to help each metropolis devise a plan to reduce carbon emissions and energy waste.

“The City Energy Project will bring the significant economic and environmental benefits that energy efficiency has to offer to other cities — and accelerate progress by helping them learn from each other’s successes,” said Michael Bloomberg, philanthropist and New York’s mayor. 

It is also projected to have significant financial benefits.

“More energy efficiency means news jobs and continued economic growth, and a more sustainable City, which will lead to a further increase in the quality of life,” said Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel. 

The group cites a need for cooperation between cities, including environmental best practices, and shared technology.

“City skylines have long been symbols of aspiration and innovation — this project takes that to a new level,” said Laurie Kerr, director of the City Energy Project at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “These mayors are showing there is the political will to put people to work to build a healthier, more prosperous future for American cities.”

“We have the skills and technology to make buildings more efficient, but we need a coordinated effort by major cities and the private sector to make that happen,” added Cliff Majersik, executive director of the Institute for Market Transformation.

The CEP has four main objectives:

  • Promote efficient building operations
  • Encourage private investment
  • Steer city leadership
  • Promote transparency


The following 10 cities will be CEP’s first participants: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Orlando, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City.