WASHINGTON - Today, the E.P.A. (EPA) announced the 6th yearly list of the
top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the most
Energy Star certified buildings. The cities on this list demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits achieved by facility owners and managers when they apply a proven approach to energy efficiency to their buildings.
The Top ten cities on the list are: Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; New York; San Francisco; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Philadelphia; and Houston.
"Not only are the Energy Star top 25 cities saving money on energy costs and increasing energy efficiency, but they are promoting public health by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from commercial buildings," said Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Every city has an important role to play in reducing emissions and carbon pollution, and increasing energy efficiency to combat the impacts of our changing climate."
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 office buildings cost $0.50 less per square foot to operate than average office buildings, and use nearly 2 times less energy per square foot than average office buildings.
The data also show that in excess of 23,000 buildings across America earned EPA's Energy Star certification by the end of 2013. These buildings saved in excess of $3.1 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the yearly electricity use from 2.2 million homes.
1st released in 2008, the list of cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings continues to demonstrate how cities across America, with help from Energy Star, are embracing energy efficiency as a simple and effective way to save money and prevent pollution. Los Angeles has remained the top city since 2008 while Washington, D.C. continues to hold onto 2nd place for the 5th consecutive year. Atlanta moved up from the number 5 to number three. For the 1st time, Philadelphia entered the top 10, ranking ninth.
Commercial buildings that earn EPA's Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide and must be independently verified by a licensed professional engineer or a registered architect. Energy Star certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than typical buildings. Many types of commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, hotels, and retail stores.
Products, homes and buildings that earn the Energy Star label prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency requirements set by the U.S. EPA. In 2013 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved an estimated $30 billion on their utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the yearly electricity use of in excess of 38 million homes. From the 1st Energy Star qualified computer in 1992, the Energy Star label can now be found on products in in excess of 70 different categories, with in excess of 4.5 billion sold. Over 1.5 million new homes and 23,000 commercial buildings and industrial plants have earned the Energy Star label.
The 2014 Energy Star Top Cities are:
1. Los Angeles
2. Washington, DC
3. Atlanta
4. New York
5. San Francisco
6. Chicago
7. Dallas-Fort Worth
8. Denver
9. Philadelphia
10. Houston
11. Charlotte
12. Phoenix
13. Boston
14. Seattle
15. San Diego
16. Minneapolis-St. Paul
17. Sacramento
18. Miami
19. Cincinnati
20. San Jose
21. Columbus, Ohio
22. Riverside, California
23. Detroit
24. Portland, Ore.
25. Louisville
More on the 2013 top cities: www.energystar.gov/topcities
More on Energy Star certified buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildinglist
More about earning the Energy Star label for commercial buildings: www.energystar.gov/labeledbuildings
