Boston and NYC Make the Top Dozen of U.S. Cities with the Most Energy Star Certified Buildings

Boston skyline. Photo source: www.vsmodels.net

On March 30, 2016, the EPA released its annual list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the most certified Energy Star buildings in 2015. Boston is in the top dozen of national metropolitan areas and is recognized for its continuing commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save money through energy efficiency.

For 2015, Boston ranked number 11 on the list of top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas, barely ranking above Philadelphia by one building. Boston had 157 buildings that were Energy Star certified. Thanks to these buildings’ owners and managers, Boston is cutting greenhouse gas emissions equal to emissions from 38,000 passenger vehicles and saving more than $75 million in annual utility bills.

Ahead of Boston on this year’s list are Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Denver and Phoenix. By the end of 2014, the more than 25,000 Energy Star certified buildings in cities across America have helped save more than $3.4 billion in annual utility bills and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to emissions from the annual electricity use of more than 2.4 million homes.

“Every year, more cities are turning to energy efficiency not only to protect the environment, but also to strengthen their local economies. Boston is demonstrating that energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to improve public health and build a brighter future for their youngest residents,” 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.

New York City. Photo source: www.gnarbear.biz

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 16% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Since 1999, more than 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 more than $3.8 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the annual electricity use of more than 2.6 million homes. Many common building types can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, hotels, and retail stores.

For more than 20 years, American citizens have looked to EPA’s Energy Star program 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 recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by two billion metric tons since 1992.

Links: 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.

New York City. Photo source: www.gnarbear.biz