The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program—a project of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI)—seeks to help cities around the world improve the eco-friendliness of their facilities by reducing energy use.

“Climate change is a global problem that requires local action,” says former President Clinton. “It's the right thing to do, and it's good for the bottom line.”

During the program's initial push, 16 cities—including Chicago, Houston, and New York City—have agreed to work with the foundation and its partners to develop programs to audit municipal buildings and implement retrofits to improve energy efficiency. The program has received billions of dollars in donations from five international banking companies and four large energy service companies.

According to CCI research, buildings contribute more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in most cities; in well-established cities like New York City and London, that number jumps to more than 70%. The program aims to help owners of both public and private buildings make improvements and garner energy savings of up to 50%.