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Boston Makes National Top 10 of Cities with the Most Energy Star Buildings

Release Date: 03/13/2013
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. – Mar. 13, 2013) – Boston is again being recognized by EPA for its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save money through energy efficiency under an annual list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the most Energy Star buildings certified in 2012.

During 2012, Boston ranked 10th among the list of top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas, having 188 buildings certified as Energy Star during the year. Boston was also ranked 10th in 2011. Thanks to these buildings’ owners and managers, Boston is cutting greenhouse gas emissions equal to emissions from the annual electricity use of more than 25,000 homes and saving more than $67.5 million in annual utility bills.

“Cities and communities across America are seeing that improved energy efficiency in their buildings can reap major rewards saving money and reducing greenhouse gas and other emissions,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Through their partnership with EPA, the owners and managers of Energy Star certified buildings in Boston are setting a great example by taking action.”

This year’s list is headed by Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Boston. Boston was ranked 10th on the list for the second year in a row.

"We're proud to be ranked again among the top cities in America in energy efficiency," Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. "This year's EPA list shows that, despite the size of our City, the visionary efforts of our property owners and businesses continue to strengthen Boston's position as a national leader in sustainability."

By the end of 2012, the more than 20,000 Energy Star certified buildings in cities across America have helped save more than $2.7 billion in annual utility bills and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to emissions from the annual electricity use of more than two million homes. Continuing the impressive growth of the past several years, in 2012, more than 8,200 buildings nationwide earned EPA’s Energy Star certification, signifying that they perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Commercial buildings that earn EPA’s Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide, as verified by a Professional Engineer or a Registered Architect. Energy Star certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average buildings. Fifteen types of commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, and retail stores.

Launched in 1992 by EPA, Energy Star is a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Over the past 20 years, with help from Energy Star, American families and businesses have saved about $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.7 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 65 different kinds of products and more than 1.3 million new homes, in addition to the more than 20,000 commercial buildings.

More information:

Full list of top cities: http://energystar.gov/topcities

Take an in-depth look at the data behind Energy Star certified buildings: http://energystar.gov/datatrends

How to earn the Energy Star for commercial buildings: http://energystar.gov/labeledbuildings

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