February 16, 2007—More than 3,200 top performing buildings have earned the Energy Star for powerful cuts to their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, reports the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
These award-winning buildings represent almost 575 million square feet, save an estimated $600 million annually in lower energy bills, and prevent almost 11 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions–equal to emissions from almost 900,000 vehicles, reports EPA.
The top performing buildings that earned the Energy Star in 2006 include about 320 supermarkets, 320 office buildings, and 200 K-12 schools. Almost 90 banks, courthouses, financial centers, hospitals, hotels, and–for the first time–dormitories also earned the Energy Star, the most recognized national symbol for energy efficiency, says EPA.
Buildings that earn the Energy Star use about 35 percent less energy than average buildings, reports EPA, and about 400 Energy Star buildings use 50 percent less energy than average buildings.
Commercial buildings reportedly account for almost 18 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. With interest in energy efficiency growing, Energy Star offers easy-to-use tools and guidelines designed to help building owners and managers in the US realize significant energy and dollar savings.
For more information about the Energy Star for buildings, or the complete list of Energy Star buildings by state, visit EPA’s Web site.
