25 Top Cities Recognized for Energy Star Buildings – Milwaukee Ranks #15Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Washington, D.C., Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Atlanta and Seattle led the list of the top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest number of energy-efficient buildings in 2008 earning Energy Star certification, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on March 3. EnergyStar buildings typically use 35% less energy and emit 35% less greenhouse gases than average buildings, according to EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “EPA commends all of these cities and all of the others, as well as countless individuals, who are now using more energy-efficient appliances and dwellings. They are saving energy, saving money and protecting our environment,” Jackson said. The buildings receiving the Energy Star citation represent yearly savings of more than $1 billion in utility bills and more than seven million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the EPA said. These buildings include schools, hospitals, office buildings, courthouses, grocery stores, retail centers and auto assembly plants. More than 6,200 buildings and plants have now qualified for Energy Star, with overall annual utility savings of more than $1.7 billion and the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than two million cars a year. Energy use in commercial buildings and manufacturing plants accounts for nearly half of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and nearly half of energy consumption nationwide, according to the EPA. For more than a decade, the EPA has worked with businesses and organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through this voluntary, market-based partnership. For a list of the 25 top cities with the most Energy Star buildings, click here. For more information about the Energy Star for buildings and plants, click here. Copyright 2009 US Environmental Protection Agency
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 Our builder showed us how we could get into the school system we wanted and a home that’s flexible enough to accommodate our growing family. We’ll be closer to work, and we’ll also save energy on our utility bills. It’s a win – win for everyone. The kids can’t wait to explore the new neighborhood and we can’t wait to settle in. To think, we almost stayed away from building a new home because we were worried about the mortgage crunch. When we discovered that 99% of homes are not in foreclosure; that made us feel secure in our investment too. |
