Houston
Makes Top Ten List for Most Energy Efficient Buildings
The Houston area has ranked sixth on the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 list of cities with the most
energy efficient buildings. The EPA's Energy Star awards are based on
the number of commercial buildings that rank among the top 25 percent in
energy efficiency compared to similar structures.
"We're pleased that EPA is recognizing our local
efforts to improve the environment" said Mayor Annise Parker.
"Through this achievement, our building owners and operators have
demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship while also
lowering their energy costs."
Buildings that earn the Energy Star use an average of
35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35
percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The Houston
metropolitan area numbers 133 Energy Star labeled buildings. This
amounts to 64 million square feet of space and savings of almost $74
million. By strategically managing energy use and by making
cost-effective improvements to their buildings, the organizations that
own and operate these buildings have prevented greenhouse gas emissions
equal to the electricity use from 53,365 households for a year.
EPA's Energy Star energy performance scale helps
organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative
to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores 75 or higher on
EPA's 1-100 scale is eligible for the Energy Star. Commercial buildings
that can earn the Energy Star include offices, bank branches, financial
centers, retail stores, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools,
medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, and warehouses.
Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a
voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on
more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and
industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the Energy
Star prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict
energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. Last year alone,
Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved nearly $17 billion on
their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions
equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.
