April 7, 2004—The Environmental Protection Agency reports that as of January 1, 2004, close to 1,400 of the nation’s most energy efficient buildings, representing about 325 million square feet, have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR designation for superior energy performance. The buildings qualifying as ENERGY STAR use about 40 percent less energy than average buildings, without compromising comfort or services, says EPA.
Among the top performing buildings are 791 offices and 375 public schools. Supermarkets, hospitals, and hotels account for another 221 labeled buildings. These buildings can be found in 47 states and the District of Columbia. California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Texas each have over 75 ENERGY STAR qualifying buildings. In 2003, almost 500 buildings were labeled, the most in any year since certification began.
Buildings earn the ENERGY STAR rating by scoring a 75 or higher on EPA’s 100-point national energy rating scale. The average of all buildings qualifying for ENERGY STAR through 2003 is 84. These buildings must also meet industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality, as verified by a professional engineer. For more information go to EPA/ENERGY STAR or call 888/STAR-YES.
