BOSTON - Today E.P.A. released its yearly list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the most certified Energy Star buildings in 2014. Boston has returned to the top 10, and is acknowledged for its continuing commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save money through energy efficiency.
For 2014, Boston returned to the number ten position among the list of top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas, after it had been ranked 13th last year. Boston had 176 buildings that were Energy Star certified. Thanks to these buildings' owners and managers, Boston is cutting greenhouse gas emissions equal to emissions from 34,500 passenger vehicles, and saving in excess of $60 million in yearly utility bills.
Ahead of Boston on this year's list are Washington DC, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Denver. By the end of 2014, the in excess of 25,000 Energy Star certified buildings in cities across America have helped save in excess of $3.4 billion in yearly utility bills and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to emissions from the yearly electricity use of in excess of 2.4 million homes.
"Across the country, thousands of building owners and property managers are using Energy Star tools to evaluate and enhance their building's energy performance, and it's showing tangible results for cost savings and reducing greenhouse gases and other emissions to our environment," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office.
EPA's Energy Star Top Cities list shows how cities across America, with help from Energy Star, are embracing energy efficiency as an effective way to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of in excess of $100 billion per year. Energy Star certified buildings are verified to perform better than 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide, and they use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer emissions than typical buildings. Many common building types can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, hotels, and retail stores.
For in excess of 20 years, American citizens have looked to EPA's Energy Star plan for guidance on how to save energy, save money and protect the environment. Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions that contribute to climate change. Today, Energy Star is the most widely acknowledged symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2 billion metric tons since 1992.
More information:
- Full list of top Energy Star cities: http://energystar.gov/topcities
- How to earn the Energy Star label for commercial buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildingcertification
