Texas Tops in Greenhouse Gas Reduced by Efficient Buildings

The Energy Star buildings in Texas save more than $107 million annually in lower energy bills and prevent nearly two billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equal to the emissions of more than 164,000 vehicles, the EPA said.

"EPA is glad to see so many organizations making the choice to go green with Energy Star," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard Greene. "Energy Star buildings are America’s energy all-stars - they save more, use less and protect the environment."

The Austin South Fairfield Inn is one of Texas' 356 Energy Star buildings. (Photo courtesy Marriott Hotels)

Energy Star is a government-backed program that helps businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. To qualify for the Energy Star label, a building or manufacturing plant must score in the top 25 percent using EPA’s National Energy Performance Rating System.

Across the country, the number of commercial buildings and manufacturing plants to earn the Energy Star for superior energy efficiency is up by more than 25 percent in the past year, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced has reached an all-time high of more than 25 billion pounds.

Nearly 4,100 buildings and manufacturing plants nationwide have earned the EPA’s Energy Star through the end of 2007, with the addition of more than 1,400 in 2007 alone.

In total, the EPA says, these commercial buildings and manufacturing plants have saved nearly $1.5 billion annually in lower energy bills and prevented carbon dioxide emissions equal to the emissions associated with electricity use of more than 1.5 million American homes for a year, relative to typical buildings.

Energy use in commercial buildings and manufacturing plants accounts for nearly half of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 50 percent of energy consumption nationwide, according to government figures.

Commercial buildings that have earned the Energy Star use nearly 40 percent less energy than average buildings and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, offering a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

EPA has worked with businesses and organizations for more than a decade to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through strategic energy management practices.

The complete list of Energy Star buildings in Texas is here.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.