DALLAS - (March 29, 2016) The E.P.A. (EPA) announced 3 Texas cities made the eighth-annual "Top Cities" list, which ranks the 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the most Energy Star certified buildings and superior energy performance in the preceding calendar year. Dallas-Fort Worth came in at number 7 with 249 buildings, Houston at number 8 with 231 buildings and Austin tied for 25
th with 55 buildings. The Top Cities list serves to illustrate how cities across America are embracing energy efficiency as a proven path to financial savings and a healthier environment.
"Every year, more cities are turning to energy efficiency not only to protect the environment, but also to strengthen their local economies," said E.P.A. Administrator Gina McCarthy. "The cities on this list are demonstrating that energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to enhance public health in their communities and build a brighter future for their youngest residents."
"Three of the largest, most vibrant cities in Texas have benefitted from making energy efficiency a priority," said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "Congratulations to Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin for your success in saving energy, fighting climate change and improving our environment."
Commercial buildings contribute roughly 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and cost American organizations and cities in excess of $100 billion per year in energy bills. Since 1999, in excess of 27,000 buildings across America have earned EPA's Energy Star certification, which signifies proven superior energy performance. On average, these certified buildings use 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than typical buildings. These buildings have saved in excess of $3.8 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the yearly electricity use of in excess of 2.6 million homes.
To be eligible for Energy Star certification, a building must be independently verified to perform better than at least 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide. Office buildings, schools, retail stores, supermarkets, hotels, and many other common building types are eligible to earn the Energy Star
In addition to certifying top-performing buildings, Energy Star offers valuable tools and resources to help building owners and managers measure and enhance energy performance in virtually any type of building. Financial savings can often be captured through low- and no- cost improvements, and larger upgrades often pay for themselves within a few years.
To create the yearly list, E.P.A. tallies the number of Energy Star certified buildings within each metropolitan area, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. These areas include the city itself as well as surrounding towns and suburbs.
Energy Star is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For in excess of 20 years, people across America 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 $362 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2.4 billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who are already making a difference at energystar.gov.
More on the 2016 top cities: www.energystar.gov/topcities
Search for Energy Star certified buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildinglist
More about earning the Energy Star certification for commercial buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildingcertification
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