Through the Performance Agreement for Comfort from Trane, the American Center of Southfield office tower management team, REDICO, successfully used the program to make more than $3.2 million in capital improvements to the 25-year-old building, eventually leading to a $621,000 in generated annual savings which initially qualified the American Center for the Energy Star Label.

"The ownership was facing increased operating and utility costs. The energy saving retrofit improved the return on investment by enhancing building operations, while providing tenants a more efficient and comfortable working environment" says Jim Jonas, executive vice president of REDICO.

Mike Byars, marketing engineer at Trane, says Energy Star buildings allow owners to make decisions that are both good for business and good for the environment through investment in high-efficiency, low-emission technologies while offering very attractive returns.

The Energy Star Label recognizes the nations top 25% of commercial property in terms of energy savings.

The designation is the fifth in Michigan.